Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Historical Magic in Old Quantum Theory?

Vickers, P

Historical Magic in Old Quantum Theory? Thumbnail


Authors



Abstract

Two successes of old quantum theory are particularly notable: Bohr’s prediction of the spectral lines of ionised helium, and Sommerfeld’s prediction of the fine-structure of the hydrogen spectral lines. Many scientific realists would like to be able to explain these successes in terms of the truth or approximate truth of the assumptions which fuelled the relevant derivations. In this paper I argue that this will be difficult for the ionised helium success, and is almost certainly impossible for the fine-structure success. Thus I submit that the case against the realist’s thesis that success is indicative of truth is marginally strengthened.

Citation

Vickers, P. (2012). Historical Magic in Old Quantum Theory?. European Journal for Philosophy of Science, 2(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13194-010-0010-6

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2012
Deposit Date Aug 26, 2011
Publicly Available Date Feb 12, 2013
Journal European Journal for Philosophy of Science
Print ISSN 1879-4912
Electronic ISSN 1879-4920
Publisher Springer
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 2
Issue 1
Pages 1-19
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s13194-010-0010-6

Files

Accepted Journal Article (365 Kb)
PDF

Copyright Statement
The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com







You might also like



Downloadable Citations