Scerri, Eric (2006) On the Continuity of Reference of the Elements: A Response to Hendry. UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

Robin Hendry has recently argued that although the term ‘element’ has traditionally been used in two different senses (basic substance and simple substance), there has nonetheless been a continuity of reference. The present article examines this author’s historical and philosophical claims and suggests that he has misdiagnosed the situation in several respects. In particular it is claimed that Hendry’s arguments for the nature of one particular element, oxygen, do not generalize to all elements as he implies. The second main objection is to Hendry’s view that the qua problem can be illuminated by appeal to the intention of scientists.

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Item Type:	Other
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Scerri, Eric
Keywords:	causal theory of reference, chemistry, Lavoisier
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User:	Eric Scerri
Date Deposited:	24 Nov 2006
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2022 19:04
Item ID:	3061
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science Specific Sciences > Physics
Date:	2006
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/3061

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