Weisberg, Michael (2002) Qualitative Theory and Chemical Explanation. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Roald Hoffmann and other theorists claim that we we ought to use highly idealized chemical models (``qualitative models'') in order to increase our understanding of chemical phenomena, even though other models are available which make more highly accurate predictions. I assess this norm by examining one of the tradeoffs faced by model builders and model users --- the tradeoff between precision and generality. After arguing that this tradeoff obtains in many cases, I discuss how the existence of this tradeoff can help us defend Hoffmann's norm for modelling.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Weisberg, Michael
Keywords:	models, explanation, chemistry, Roald Hoffmann, tradeoffs, idealization
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > Explanation
Depositing User:	Michael Weisberg
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2003
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:11
Item ID:	1000
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > Explanation
Date:	November 2002
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/1000

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