Émilie Du Châtelet between experimental and metaphysical physics

Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica (1687) changed the scientific world with the introduction of his laws of motion and gravitational theory. In France, however, Newton’s experimental approach encountered resistance, largely due to the enduring popularity of Descartes. Newton's followers criticized Cartesian philosophy, which relied on invisible concepts such as "subtle matter" that could not be empirically verified. At the same time, Newton faced criticism for his 'mysterious' gravity, which lacked a causal foundation. This criticism came, among others, from Leibniz, who called for a mechanistic explanation. Nevertheless, Newtonianism gradually spread across Europe, partly due to the influence of thinkers like Boerhaave, ’s Gravesande, and Voltaire.
A key figure in the dissemination of Newton’s ideas in France was Émilie du Châtelet. She was the first to translate and comment on Newton’s Principia in French and wrote several works on natural philosophy. In her Institutions de Physique, Du Châtelet explores themes such as the nature of matter, gravity, and the nature of space and time, combining Newtonian and Leibnizian insights. She departs from Newton’s atomism by adhering to Leibnizian metaphysical principles and advocates for a causal explanation of gravity. Her critical stance toward figures such as Voltaire, Descartes, Leibniz, and even Newton demonstrates her independent thinking.
Although Du Châtelet enjoyed much respect during her lifetime, she fell into oblivion over time. Recently, however, there is growing interest in her work on natural philosophy. This dissertation examines how Du Châtelet critically engaged with the ideas of her contemporaries, highlighting how her approach to natural philosophical themes was characterized by her ability to connect diverse perspectives, and emphasizes her unique position within early modern natural philosophy.