Daniel Hoek joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the recent discovery he made related to Newton's first law of motion. The law is typically translated as “a body at rest remains at rest, and a body in motion remains in motion, at constant speed and in a straight line, unless acted on by an external force." Hoek explains how he became intrigued by the law, the puzzles surrounding it, as well as the misconception that objects with no forces acting on them exist and how Newton's own account contradicts this. 

About Hoek

Hoek is an assistant professor of philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. His research includes the philosophy of language, the philosophy of mathematics, epistemology, decision theory, and formal pragmatics.

Three takeaways

The traditional interpretation of the first law has been incorrectly interpreted to assume the existence of objects with no forces acting on them.

Newton's own account of the first law suggests that objects will continue moving in a straight line or remain at rest, except to the extent that forces prevent them from doing so.

Hoek's discovery challenges the way the first law is taught in physics education and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary work in understanding complex concepts.

Learn more

Philosophy meets physics: Philosopher uncovers hidden truth about Newton's 300-year old law

Mistranslation of Newton’s First Law Discovered after Nearly 300 Years

About the podcast

"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Virginia Tech writer and editor Travis Williams, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.

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