Contemporary debates in philosophy of science
Speaker: Peter Vickers (Durham)
Title: The Sommerfeld Miracle
Abstract: A ‘no miracles’ argument is still prevalent in the scientific realism debate, even if a lot has changed since Putnam’s formulation of it, and even if the word ‘miracle’ is generally avoided. For example, realists think that if the most central ‘working’ parts of a scientific theory were not even approximately true (for any serious theory of ‘approximate truth’), then it would be incredibly unlikely (loosely speaking ‘miraculous’) for that theory to deliver successful novel predictions with ‘perfect’ quantitative accuracy (e.g. to several significant figures). But this is precisely what we do indeed find in the case of Sommerfeld’s prediction of the hydrogen fine structure spectral lines. This paper explores possible scientific realist responses to this dramatic historical challenge.
Contact
The seminars are organised by the philosophy of science research group. For more information or to find out about future events, please contact Dr Alistair Isaac.
Contemporary debates in philosophy of science
Room 2.13, Old Infirmary Building (Geography), 1 Drummond Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9XP