The Purpose and Structure of Physical Theory

Author: (French) Duhem, René; Sun, Xiaoli; Li, Shen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Duhem's analysis of the role of mathematical symbols and mathematical deduction, as well as the role of experiments in establishing physical theories, is more detailed than the recent philosophical analyses of logical syntax and semantic issues by later philosophers. This is because, unlike Duhem's perspective, which holds that logical syntax and semantics are closely related to the experimental language and practical activities of physics, the views of later philosophers do not share this connection. Of course, his views will be, and should be, criticized. However, critics must align their own thinking with the specific phenomena of the experimental sciences that Duhem used to substantiate his interpretation, in accordance with their historical development. This philosophical reflection on methods and hypotheses in scientific practice, combined with historical examination, undoubtedly meets the highest objectives of philosophy and science education in general. The appendices contain Duhem's pragmatic defense against the mechanistic view of Abel Rey, as well as an explanation of how Duhem distinguished empirical science from metaphysics and theology. Although the translator disagrees with Duhem's Catholic beliefs, he still considers the arguments he presented for the independence of the internal logic and development of physical science to be very compelling.