Newtonian vs. Newtonian: Baxter and MacLaurin on the Inactivity of Matter

Abstract

In my essay I look at the specifics of the dispute between the Scottish metaphysician Andrew Baxter and the mathematician Colin MacLaurin in an attempt to identify the source or sources of their contradictory, yet in both cases Newtonian, positions regarding occasionalism. After some general introductory remarks about each thinker, I examine the metaphysical implications that Baxter sees as following from Newton's concept of vis inertiæ. Following this, I look at MacLaurin's commitment to the role of sense experience in natural philosophy. Finally, I discuss the different passages from Newton's Opticks on which the two thinkers focus.