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Gaining traction: Foothold concepts and exemplars in conceptual change
1Department of Philosophy, University of South Florida, FAO 226, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
|October 16, 2021
Summary
This study shows how conformational analysis in organic chemistry emerged through conceptual change, driven by a new scientific exemplar. This exemplar enabled broader application of chemical concepts, highlighting the cognitive role of examples in science.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- History and Philosophy of Science
Background:
- Conceptual change in science is a key area of study.
- Understanding the mechanisms driving scientific concept evolution is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emergence of conformational analysis in organic chemistry.
- To analyze this emergence as a case of conceptual change.
- To identify the mechanism of conceptual change in this specific scientific development.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of the development of conformational analysis.
- Examination of the role of specific chemical structures and concepts.
- Cognitive science principles applied to scientific exemplars.
Main Results:
- The emergence of conformational analysis was driven by a new exemplar.
- This exemplar was facilitated by identifying a key chemical structure.
- Existing concepts ('foothold' concepts) were applied to this structure, enabling explanation and analogical extension.
Conclusions:
- The development of conformational analysis exemplifies conceptual change via new exemplars.
- The identification of specific structures is key to creating scientific exemplars.
- Exemplars play a significant cognitive role in the development and dissemination of scientific content.
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