Force/Talk

Ok, so the force page is going down the same path as the tensor page. Which is not good. I propose the following structure:

• brief remarks indicating the force is not an easy thing to define or understand, and that Real Smart People have thought about for a long time.

• elementary definitions useful for mechanics, such as F = ma, with examples,

• an explanation of [rational mechanics]? and the difficulty of defining force rationally. This would Truesdell and Nolls work specifically, with a bow to Hilbert for granting mathematical legitimacy. The Hamel's work should be dealt with here also.

• discussion on the new configurational forces schemes of [Morton Gurtin]? and [Gerard Maugin]?, and why they are different, and why it matters.

Whew.

I can take on the Gurtin stuff, I have his monograph.

I think you miss the point that F=ma is the definition of F, and definitions by themselves have no physical content. The related physical content is the reification of this defined concept of force. Please be sure you undestand this distinction before you edit the page further.