PhilSci Archive

A critique of Weisberg’s view on the periodic table and some speculations on the nature of classifications

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

[img]
Preview
Text
Weisberg critique copy.pdf

Download (229kB) | Preview

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’.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
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

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item