Maxwell, Nicholas (2004) Non-Empirical Requirements Scientific Theories Must Satisfy: Simplicity, Unification, Explanation, Beauty. [Preprint]

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Abstract

A scientific theory, in order to be accepted as a part of theoretical scientific knowledge, must satisfy both empirical and non-empirical requirements, the latter having to do with simplicity, unity, explanatory character, symmetry, beauty. No satisfactory, generally accepted account of such non-empirical requirements has so far been given. Here, a proposal is put forward which, it is claimed, makes a contribution towards solving the problem. This proposal concerns unity of physical theory. In order to satisfy the non-empirical requirement of unity, a physical theory must be such that the same laws govern all possible phenomena to which the theory applies. Eight increasingly demanding versions of this requirement are distinguished. Some implications for other non-empirical requirements, and for our understanding of science are indicated.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Maxwell, Nicholas
Keywords:	Simplicity, Unification, Explanation, Symmetry, Methodology, Scientific Theory, Theoretical Physics, Metaphysics
Subjects:	General Issues > Structure of Theories General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User:	Nicholas Maxwell
Date Deposited:	22 May 2004
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:12
Item ID:	1759
Subjects:	General Issues > Structure of Theories General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics
Date:	January 2004
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/1759

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