Historical Magic in Old Quantum Theory?

Vickers, P

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
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1504726