PhilSci Archive

The Physicists, the Chemists and the Pragmatics of Explanation

Hendry, Robin (2003) The Physicists, the Chemists and the Pragmatics of Explanation. In: [2002] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 18th Biennial Mtg - PSA 2002: Contributed Papers (Milwaukee, WI; 2002) > PSA 2002 Symposia. (In Press)

[img] Microsoft Word (.doc)
Download (56Kb)

    Abstract

    In this paper I investigate two views of theoretical explanation in quantum chemistry, advocated by John Clarke Slater and Charles Coulson. Slater argued for quantum-mechanical rigour, and the primacy of fundamental principles in models of chemical bonding. Coulson emphasised systematic explanatory power within chemistry, and continuity with existing chemical explanations. I relate these views to the epistemic contexts of their disciplines.

    Export/Citation:EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
    Social Networking:
    Share |
    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Chemistry
    Conferences and Volumes: [2002] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 18th Biennial Mtg - PSA 2002: Contributed Papers (Milwaukee, WI; 2002) > PSA 2002 Symposia
    Depositing User: Robin Hendry
    Date Deposited: 04 Jun 2003
    Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 11:11
    Item ID: 1206
    Public Domain: No
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/1206

    Actions (login required)

    		 View Item

    Document Downloads