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.

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.