Whence the force of F = ma? I: Culture shock

Various aspects of Newton's second law of motion were discussed. Newton's second law of motion, F = ma, is the soul of classical mechanics. The left-hand side of the equation has no independent meaning. Yet, the law is full of meaning, by the highest standard. It proves itself useful in demanding situations. The paradox deepens when the force is considered from the perspective of modern physics. Astute observers have commented to eliminate force even before the emergence of relativity and quantum mechanics.