Demonstrating a priori: Mathematics and Realism in Johannes Kepler’s Mysterium Cosmographicum
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5944/endoxa.40.2017.17160Keywords:
ohannes Kepler, demostración a priori, sólidos platónicos, astronomía pitagóricaAbstract
In his book Mysterium Cosmographicum, Johannes Kepler proposed two
closely related issues: first, that there is a pattern of organizing space that accounts for the ratio of planetary distances; secondly, that these distances, measured from the physical body of the sun, are related to the periods of each planet. In light of this, Kepler thought he could prove a priori the correct order of the heavens, including their number and distances, and consequently prove Copernicus’ hypothesis. this article aims to understand the importance that Kepler gave to the a priori proof, and its role within his astronomical research program.
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