Philosophical Optics: the Legacy of Rene Descartes and Isaac Newton

Aim. An assessment of the essence of philosophical conceptions, understandings and the place of Rene Descartes and Isaac Newton in the formation and development of the theory of light. Methodology. The research used methods of comparative analysis, historical, dialectical approaches to reconstruct the history of science and philosophy. Results. Two epistemological positions in understanding the theory of light are given. The experiments and judgments of philosophers formed the field of knowledge – physics. Descartes and Newton were philosophers and scientists whose innovative ideas modern optics was built on, the design and production of optical devices for all spheres of human activity is carried out. Descartes was engaged in geometric optics in the field of natural science. The main achievement of Rene Descartes was the exposition of the law of refraction of light. Based on the formulated law, Descartes gave for the first time a correct explanation of the rainbow. Thanks to Descartes, the theory of optical devices appeared, and after Descartes geometric optics became a part of geometry. Isaac Newton overcame the contradiction between empiricism and rationalism in the practice of scientific research. His science was based on facts and experience, he widely used mathematical methods and the deductive method in research. Newton developed the corpuscular theory of light and discovered the phenomenon of dispersion of light in a prism. Research implications. The results of the study contribute to the epistemology and methodological basis of the philosophy of science and technology.