Heisenberg and radical theoretic change
Creator
Heelan, Patrick
Heelan, Patrick
Abstract
Heisenberg, in constructing quantum mechanics, explicitly followed certain principles exemplified, as he believed, in Einstein's construction of the special theory of relativity which for him was the paradigm for radical theoretic change in physics. These were the principles of (i) scientific realism, (ii) stability of background knowledge, (iii) E-observability, (iv) contextual re-interpretation, (v) pragmatic continuity, (vi) model continuity, simplicity. Fifty years later, in retrospect, Heisenberg added the following two: a principle of non-proliferation of competing theories — scientific revolutions are not a legitimate goal of physics — and (ix) a principle of tenacity — existing theories are to be conserved as far as possible. The conservative as well as the revolutionary potential of these principles is then discussed. A more penetrating philosophical criticism of these principles is postponed.
Permanent Link
http://hdl.handle.net/10822/550875Date Published
1975Subject
Type
Extent
177149 bytes
Collections
Metadata
Show full item recordRelated items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Phenomenology and the Philosophy of the Natural Sciences
Heelan, Patrick; Heelan, Patrick (2003)In the assessment of scientific theory and practice, the critique of the analytic/empiricist view of science made via the phenomenological orientation of Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau- Ponty and others towards the Lifeworld ...