An example of an historic alternative conception:
"Furthermore, since the Aristotelian commentators held something corresponding to the view that a constant uniform force only produced uniform motion…it was necessary to produce special reasons to account for the fact that falling bodies were observed to move at an accelerating speed. Once again the supporters of the older teaching used the argument from the rush of air, or they thought that, as the body approached the earth, the greater height of the atmosphere above meant an increase in the downward pressure, while the shorter column of air below would offer a diminishing resistance to the descent. Alternatively they used Aristotle's argument that the falling body moved more jubilantly every moment because it found itself nearer home."
Herbert Butterfield (1957) The Origins of Modern Science 1300-1800 (New Edition: Revised and enlarged) G. Bell and Sons Ltd., London.
The argument at the end of this quote is based on the notion of the four elements (fire- air -water -earth) where heavy objects are comprised largely of the dearth element that's natural place is at the centre (of the earth) beneath the other elements.
The phrasing here is anthropomorphic, as it implies the object responds to knowing it is getting nearer the ground.
Read examples of anthropomorphism in science
