Has Daltonian atomism provided chemistry with any explanations?

Needham, Paul (2002) Has Daltonian atomism provided chemistry with any explanations?.

Full text available as:
Microsoft Word - Requires a viewer, such as Microsoft Word Viewer

Abstract

Philosophers frequently cite Dalton?s chemical atomism, and its 19th century developments, as a prime example of inference to the best explanation. This was a controversial issue in its time. But the critics are dismissed as positivist-inspired antirealists with no interest in explanation. Is this a reasonable assessment?

Keywords:Dalton, atomism, chemistry
Conferences and Volumes:[2002] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 18th Biennial Mtg - PSA 2002: Contributed Papers (Milwaukee, WI; 2002): PSA 2002 Symposia
ID Code:856
Deposited By:Needham, Paul
Deposited On:30 October 2002