The science of motion according to Descartes

We outline an overview of the theory of motion as formulated by René Descartes. We try to show how this science is born from a broader philosophical-methodological system and unfolds from it. We present the most important contributions Descartes made to mechanics, with emphasis on the Law of Inertia in its directional form, on the treatment of the dynamics of curvilinear motion and ethereal vortices, as well as on the problem of collisions. Finally, we bring a small summary of the repercussions of Cartesian mechanics, presenting, on the one hand, some criticisms that were raised against it, on the other hand, the longevity of the prestige of the mechanistic paradigm elaborated by him.

Keywords:
History of Physics; Mechanics; Descartes