Professor Robin Hendry r.f.hendry@durham.ac.uk
Professor
‘The physicists, the chemists and the pragmatics of explanation’
Hendry, R.F.
Authors
Abstract
In this paper I investigate two views of theoretical explanation in quantum chemistry, advocated by John Clarke Slater and Charles Coulson. Slater argued for quantum-mechanical rigor, and the primacy of fundamental principles in models of chemical bonding. Coulson emphasized systematic explanatory power within chemistry, and continuity with existing chemical explanations. I relate these views to the epistemic contexts of their disciplines.
Citation
Hendry, R. (2004). ‘The physicists, the chemists and the pragmatics of explanation’. Philosophy of Science, 71(5), 1048-1059. https://doi.org/10.1086/428009
Journal Article Type | Article |
---|---|
Publication Date | 2004-12 |
Deposit Date | Jul 28, 2008 |
Publicly Available Date | Jul 28, 2008 |
Journal | Philosophy of Science |
Print ISSN | 0031-8248 |
Publisher | Philosophy of Science Association |
Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
Volume | 71 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 1048-1059 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1086/428009 |
Keywords | Quantum chemistry, Physics, Explanation, Reduction, Coulson, Slater. |
Publisher URL | http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/PHILSCI/journal/issues/v71n5/710535/brief/710535.abstract.html |
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Copyright Statement
© 2004 by the Philosophy of Science Association
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