Ehberger, Markus (2024) How to study virtual entities historically? A proposal. Perspectives on Science, 32 (3). pp. 278-299. ISSN 1063-6145

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Abstract

This paper will not present a case study of the historical development of a virtual entity. Rather, I will develop an outlook on virtual entities in the sciences and propose a corresponding method for studying them (historically). In essence, my presentation can be considered a synthesis of different observations from the history and philosophy of science and has its roots in my dissertational research on the development of the virtual particle. Starting with a reflection on the role of presentism for the study of concept formation and development processes, I will show, through the example of the virtual particle, how current debates and interpretations can inform our access to a historical reconstruction. Following these reflections, I will argue for a pragmatist account of concepts as tools for the scientific practitioners. According to the approach presented in my article, concepts perform their functions through representations, and I will lay special focus on verbal representations and their different functions within scientific reasoning. In conclusion, I will frame the outcome of my discussion in terms of a proposal that might, through further research, enrich our understanding of virtual entities in the sciences.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Ehberger, Markus
Subjects:	General Issues > Explanation General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science General Issues > History of Science Case Studies General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Depositing User:	Unnamed user with email m.zichert@tu-berlin.de
Date Deposited:	17 Mar 2026 12:25
Last Modified:	17 Mar 2026 12:25
Item ID:	28650
Journal or Publication Title:	Perspectives on Science
Publisher:	MIT Press
Official URL:	https://direct.mit.edu/posc/article-abstract/doi/1...
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1162/posc_a_00607
Subjects:	General Issues > Explanation General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science General Issues > History of Science Case Studies General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Date:	2024
Page Range:	pp. 278-299
Volume:	32
Number:	3
ISSN:	1063-6145
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/28650

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• How to study virtual entities historically? A proposal. (deposited 02 Feb 2024 09:17)
  • How to study virtual entities historically? A proposal. (deposited 17 Mar 2026 12:25) [Currently Displayed]

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