Scerri, Eric (2012) A critique of Weisberg’s view on the periodic table and some speculations on the nature of classifications. Foundations of Chemistry, 14. pp. 275-284. ISSN 1386-4238

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Abstract

This article carefully analyzes a recent paper by Weisberg in which it is claimed that when Mendeleev discovered the periodic table he was not working as a modeler but instead as a theorist. I argue that Weisberg is mistaken in several respects and that the periodic table should be regarded as a classification, not as a theory. In the second part of the article an attempt is made to elevate the status of classifications by suggesting that they provide a form of ‘side-ways explanation’.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Scerri, Eric
Keywords:	Mendeleev,Periodic table, Theory, Classification,   Explanation   Models   Shapere
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science General Issues > History of Science Case Studies Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User:	Eric Scerri
Date Deposited:	18 May 2022 13:24
Last Modified:	18 May 2022 13:24
Item ID:	20569
Journal or Publication Title:	Foundations of Chemistry
Publisher:	Springer
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science General Issues > History of Science Case Studies Specific Sciences > Physics
Date:	2012
Page Range:	pp. 275-284
Volume:	14
ISSN:	1386-4238
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/20569

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