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

Hendry, R.F.

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
• Electronic ISSN: 1539-767X
• 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.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1576518
• Publisher URL: http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/PHILSCI/journal/issues/v71n5/710535/brief/710535.abstract.html