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The rationale behind Pierre Duhem's natural classification.

Sindhuja Bhakthavatsalam¹

¹UC San Diego, Department of Philosophy, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0119, USA.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science

|August 1, 2015

Summary

This paper reinterprets Pierre Duhem's views on physical theory, arguing his focus on natural classification stemmed from pragmatic rationality, not realism. His ideas justified physicists' pursuit of theory by reflecting underlying realities.

Keywords:

Duhem Natural classification Rationality Realism Scientific theorizing

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Area of Science:

Philosophy of Science
History of Physics

Background:

Pierre Duhem's philosophy of science.
Interpretations of Duhem's realism.
The role of classification in physical theory.

Discussion:

This paper challenges the view of Duhem as a realist.
It posits his emphasis on natural classification reflects pragmatic rationality.
The intuitive idea of natural classification served to justify theoretical pursuits.

Key Insights:

Duhem's concept of natural classification is re-evaluated.
The pragmatic justification for theoretical physics is highlighted.
Distinction between realism and pragmatic rationality in scientific theory.

Outlook:

Further exploration of pragmatic elements in the philosophy of science.
Revisiting historical figures through the lens of rationality.
Implications for understanding the motivation behind scientific endeavors.