‘The physicists, the chemists and the pragmatics of explanation’

Hendry, R.F.

doi:10.1086/428009

‘The physicists, the chemists and the pragmatics of explanation’

Hendry, R.F.

Authors

Professor Robin Hendry r.f.hendry@durham.ac.uk
Professor

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