On the Conceptualization of Force in Johannes Kepler’s Corpus: An Interplay Between Physics/Mathematics and Metaphysics

In this chapter, we present the concept of force in Kepler. We follow the development of this concept during Kepler’s scientific career, starting from his early considerations in the Mysterium Cosmographicum (1596) until his ripest conceptions expounded in the Epitome Astronomiae Copernicanae (1618–1621). Kepler tried to supply a dynamical explanation to the planetary movements. This is an important novelty because astronomy was traditionally a kinematical science. Based on the main accredited literature we present a historical account and theoretical/ nature of science (NoS) developments: (1) Keplerian forces; (2) physical astronomy; and (3) orbits, force, and the relation between distances and forces. Koyré had a prominent role in the studies on astronomical revolution and on Kepler. He was also important in fully clarifying the pivotal function that physical astronomy—and hence the concept of force—had in Kepler’s system of the world. Indeed, Koyré is still nowadays an almost unavoidable reference point for Kepler’s Forschung. We refer to several interpretations of his. This is the reason why we think appropriate to present this work in homage to Alexandre Koyré.