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32The language of classical physicsLinguistic and Philosophical Investigations 9 36-113. 2010.ABSTRACT. The objectivity of physics has been called into question by social theorists, Kuhnian relativists, and by anomalous aspects of quantum mechanics. Here we focus on one neglected background issue, the categorical structure of the language of classical physics. The first half is an historical overview of the formation of the language of classical physics, beginning with Aristotle's Categories and the novel idea of the quantity of a quality introduced by medieval Aristotelians. Descartes a…Read more
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37Interpreting Physics: Language and the Classical/Quantim DivideSpringer. 2011.This book is the first to offer a systematic account of the role of language in the development and interpretation of physics. An historical-conceptual analysis of the co-evolution of physics and mathematics leads to the classical/quantum interface. Bohr's interpretation is analyzed and extended to the interpretation of the standard model of particle physics.
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11Physical Sciences and History of Physics by R. S. Cohen; M. W. Wartofsky (review)Isis 77 110-111. 1986.
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15Models as Mediators: Perspectives on Natural and Social Science. Mary S. Morgan, Margaret MorrisonIsis 92 (3): 642-643. 2001.
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17Epistemological Problems in the Philosophy of Science, IIReview of Metaphysics 22 (2). 1968.This article completes the study begun in I by a detailed consideration of errol harris's, "the foundations of metaphysics in science" and by an independent interpretation of the epistemological foundations of scientific theories. This is done in terms of two components labelled 'a physical language' and 'a mathematical language'. A physical language is conceived as a transformed extension of ordinary language which preserves its basic structural principles while modifying its descriptive metaph…Read more
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128The standard model as a philosophical challengePhilosophy of Science 75 (4): 447-457. 2008.There are two opposing traditions in contemporary quantum field theory (QFT). Mainstream Lagrangian QFT led to and supports the standard model of particle interactions. Algebraic QFT seeks to provide a rigorous consistent mathematical foundation for field theory, but cannot accommodate the local gauge interactions of the standard model. Interested philosophers face a choice. They can accept algebraic QFT on the grounds of mathematical consistency and general accord with the semantic conception o…Read more
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255Scientific realism: The new debatesPhilosophy of Science 46 (4): 501-532. 1979.In place of earlier instrumentalist and phenomenalist interpretations of science both Quine and Sellars have developed highly influential realist positions centering around the doctrine that accepting a theory as explanatory and irreducible rationally entails accepting the entities posited by the theory. A growing reaction against this realism is partially based on perceived inadequacies in the doctrines of Quine and Sellars, but even more on reconstructions of scientific explanations which do n…Read more
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12Mecanique quantique: Une introduction philosophique by Michel Bitbol (review)Isis 89 360-361. 1998.This is an evaluative review of Bitbol's book.
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8Interpreting Bodies: Classical and Quantum Objects in Modern Physics. Elena CastellaniIsis 92 (1): 209-210. 2001.
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11Conceptual Foundations of Quantum Mechanics by Bernard d'Espagnat (review)Isis 91 428-429. 2000.
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30The Nature of Physical Knowledge (review)Modern Schoolman 39 (3): 269-272. 1962.A review of a book bu L. W. Friedrich, S. J.
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7Atoms, Metaphors, and Paradoxes: Niels Bohr and the Construction of a New Physics by Sandro Petruccioli (review)Isis 86 515-515. 1995.
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54Review of From c-Numbers to q-Numbers: The Classical History of Quantum Theory by Olivier Darrigol (review)Philosophy of Science 62 (2): 348-350. 1995.
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13Models as Mediators: Perspectives on Natural and Social Science by Mary S. Morgan; Margaret Morrison (review)Isis 92 642-643. 2001.
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24Epistemological Problems in the Philosophy of Science, IReview of Metaphysics 22 (1). 1968.The revolt against logical positivism within the philosophy of science has now lasted long enough to produce something of a counter-revolution. As the more strident charges (positivistic analyses misrepresent the most fundamental features of the scientific enterprise and have contributed little or nothing to its clarification) and counter-charges (any attempt to induce a philosophy of science from studies in the history of science rests on a massive genetic fallacy) gradually subside, critical i…Read more
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Boston CollegeRetired faculty
Saint Louis University
PhD, 1959
Hayward, California, United States of America
Areas of Specialization
Philosophy of Mind |
Philosophy of Physical Science |
General Philosophy of Science |