Elder, Jamee (2024) Independent Evidence in Multi-messenger Astrophysics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper I discuss the first ``multi-messenger'' observations of a binary neutron star merger and kilonova. These observations, touted as ``revolutionary,'' included both gravitational-wave and electromagnetic observations \emph{of a single source}. I draw on analogies between astrophysics and historical sciences (e.g., paleontology) to explain the significance of this for (gravitational-wave) astrophysics. In particular, I argue that having independent lines of evidence about a target system enables the use of argumentative strategies---the ``Sherlock Holmes'' method and consilience---that help overcome the key challenges astrophysics faces as an observational and historical science.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Elder, Jamee jamee.elder@tufts.edu 0000-0002-1482-5682
Additional Information:	Forthcoming in Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
Subjects:	General Issues > Data Specific Sciences > Physics > Astrophysics Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology General Issues > Experimentation Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory General Issues > Theory/Observation
Depositing User:	Jamee Elder
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2024 16:26
Last Modified:	13 Feb 2024 16:26
Item ID:	23082
Subjects:	General Issues > Data Specific Sciences > Physics > Astrophysics Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology General Issues > Experimentation Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory General Issues > Theory/Observation
Date:	2024
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23082

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