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Why do biologists use so many diagrams?

Sheredos, Benjamin and Burnston, Daniel and Abrahamsen, Adele and Bechtel, William (2012) Why do biologists use so many diagrams? In: [2012] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 23rd Biennial Mtg (San Diego, CA) > PSA 2012 Contributed Papers.

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    Abstract

    Diagrams have distinctive characteristics that make them an effective medium for communicating research findings, but they are even more impressive as tools for scientific reasoning. Focusing on circadian rhythm research in biology to explore these roles, we examine diagrammatic formats that have been devised (a) to identify and illuminate circadian phenomena and (b) to develop and modify mechanistic explanations of these phenomena.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: Diagrams, circadian rhythms, mechanistic explanations
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Biology
    Specific Sciences > Biology > Molecular Biology/Genetics
    General Issues > Explanation
    Conferences and Volumes: [2012] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 23rd Biennial Mtg (San Diego, CA) > PSA 2012 Contributed Papers
    Depositing User: Professor William Bechtel
    Date Deposited: 26 Sep 2012 08:25
    Last Modified: 19 Oct 2012 16:14
    Item ID: 9345
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9345

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