Re: F=ma

[Joel Rauber <Joel_Rauber@SDSTATE.EDU>]

> There two
> problems:  (1) It is almost impossible (if not actually) to
> measure *all*
> the forces without assuming the answer to the question of
> whether or not
> the sum of the forces is, first.  (2) We don't actually
> measure force.  We
> measure observable effects, experiences for which force is
> the explanation.
> Apparently "Nature" can't or won't tell us "the answer," so we have to
> decide based on other criteria.  Perhaps if we thought of
> force not as a
> causal agent, but an explanatory entity...

I can't resist pointing out that Dewey's post supports a position and
provocative statement I have made in the past.  Perhaps, the support is not
unequivocal, however.

"Force meters (gauges, what-have-you) work by measuring accelerations".

Dewey, where were you when I needed defenders?  :-))

Joel

Baaaa, I'm spending Sunday morning working on an introductory test, so I
needed a little diversion here.