I hold degrees in physics and philosophy and teach the history of science at the University of Bergamo (Italy). I try to write books that can be helpful in both understanding the technical aspects of science and in placing science into a cultural and philosophical context. I have been working for many years on the work of Isaac Newton.In my books I describe the birth of two very well known mathematical theories invented by Newton: the calculus and the mathematical theory of gravitation. At school we have been taught that these theories are indisputable and universal (I mean independent from cultural determinations). In my books I show that the birth of calculus and gravitation theory interacted with many aspects of the culture of Newton's times, including especially philosophy.