The Aim and Structure of Physical TheoryThis classic work in the philosophy of physical science is an incisive and readable account of the scientific method. Pierre Duhem was one of the great figures in French science, a devoted teacher, and a distinguished scholar of the history and philosophy of science. This book represents his most mature thought on a wide range of topics. |
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Contents
LVIII | 180 |
LX | 183 |
LXI | 188 |
LXII | 190 |
LXIII | 195 |
LXIV | 200 |
LXV | 205 |
LXVI | 208 |
LXVII | 212 |
LXVIII | 216 |
LXIX | 219 |
LXXI | 220 |
LXXII | 252 |
LXXIII | 257 |
LXXIV | 259 |
LXXV | 268 |
LXXVI | 271 |
LXXVII | 273 |
LXXVIII | 275 |
LXXIX | 279 |
LXXX | 282 |
LXXXI | 287 |
LXXXII | 291 |
LXXXIII | 293 |
LXXXIV | 299 |
LXXXV | 305 |
LXXXVI | 312 |
LXXXVII | 337 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
able abstract accepted according action algebraic analogy appear approximation attraction attribute bodies called cause certain claim classification common complete concerning concrete consequences constitute construct deduction Descartes direction distance diverse doctrine Duhem earth electrical elements English essential established example experiment experimental experimental laws explanation express facts force formula formulated give given hypotheses ideas imagination imposed knowledge less light logical magnetic manner mass mathematical matter means measure mechanics metaphysical method mind moon motion nature necessary never Newton object observation Paris phenomena philosophy physical laws physical theory physicist possible practical precise present principles produced properties proposition question reality reason regard relations represent result sense simple symbolic teach theoretical things thought tion translation true truth universal whole wish
Popular passages
Page 10 - ... all sensation is excited, and the members of animal bodies move at the command of the will, namely, by the vibrations of this spirit, mutually propagated along the solid filaments of the nerves, from the outward organs of sense to the brain, and from the brain into the muscles.
Page xix - A physical theory is not an explanation. It is a system of mathematical propositions, deduced from a small number of principles, which aim to represent as simply, as completely, and as exactly as possible a set of experimental laws.
Page 10 - But these are things that cannot be explained in few words, nor are we furnished with that sufficiency of experiments which is required to an accurate determination and demonstration of the laws by which this electric and elastic Spirit operates.
Page 10 - To tell us, that every species of things is endowed with an occult specific quality, by which it acts and produces manifest effects, is to tell us nothing: but to derive two or three general principles of motion from phenomena, and afterwards to tell us how the properties and actions of all corporeal things follow from those manifest principles, would be a very great step in philosophy, though the causes of those principles were not yet discovered: and therefore I scruple not to propose the principles...
Page 32 - Here is a book (O. Lodge, op.cit. ) intended to expound the modern theories of electricity and to expound a new theory. In it there are nothing but strings which move around pulleys, which roll around drums, which go through pearl beads, which carry weights; and tubes which pump water while others swell and contract; toothed wheels which are geared to one another and engage 12 O. Lodge, Les Théories modernes . . . , p. 16. hooks. We thought we were entering the tranquil and neatly ordered abode...
Page 15 - HYPOTHETICAL method, a class of objects or phenomena is defined, according to a conjectural conception of their nature, as being constituted, in a manner not apparent to the senses, by a modification of some other class of objects or phenomena whose laws are already known.
Page 33 - I never satisfy myself until I can make a mechanical model of a thing. If I can make a mechanical model I can understand it.
Page 149 - In sum, the physicist can never subject an isolated hypothesis to experimental test, but only a whole group of hypotheses...
Page 153 - Any two bodies attract each other with a force which is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
Page 10 - But to derive two or three general Principles of Motion from Phenomena, and afterwards to tell us how the Properties and Actions of all corporeal Things follow from those manifest Principles, would be a very great step in Philosophy, though the Causes of those Principles were not yet discover'd: And therefore I scruple not to propose the Principles of Motion above-mention'd, they being of very general Extent, and leave their Causes to be found out.
References to this book
Bibliographic information
| Title | The Aim and Structure of Physical Theory Volume 13 of Atheneum paperbacks Book collections on Project MUSE Volume 126 of Princeton science library |
| Author | Pierre Maurice Marie Duhem |
| Editor | Jules Vuillemin |
| Translated by | Philip P. Wiener |
| Contributors | Jules Vuillemin, Louis de Broglie |
| Edition | reprint |
| Publisher | Princeton University Press, 1991 |
| ISBN | 069102524X, 9780691025247 |
| Length | 344 pages |
| Subjects | › Science / History |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |