Luis Coronel’s Theory of Impetus: the First ‘Modern’ Explanation of Free Fall Motion?

This paper examines the theory of impetus formulated by the Spanish philosopher Luis Coronel (ca. 1475–1531) and assesses its implications concerning the explanation of the acceleration of objects in free fall motion, arguing that Coronel provided what can be viewed as a modern explanation for this phenomenon. The paper begins by outlining the distinctive characteristics of medieval impetus theories preceding that of Coronel, and continues with a demonstration of how Coronel deviates from these earlier accounts due to a novel perspective on impetus, wherein impetus is equated with motion itself, and is no longer conceived as a cause of motion. Next, the various ramifications of this fresh outlook are considered, with particular emphasis on the case of free fall motion. The final section explores the influence of Coronel’s theory, drawing comparisons between his ideas and modern views on impetus and inertia.