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How to Study Virtual Entities Historically? A Proposal.
- Source :
-
Perspectives on Science . May/Jun2024, Vol. 32 Issue 3, p278-299. 22p. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- This paper will not present a case study of the historical development of a virtual entity. Rather, I will develop an outlook on virtual entities in the sciences and propose a corresponding method for studying them (historically). In essence, my presentation can be considered a synthesis of different observations from the history and philosophy of science and has its roots in my dissertational research on the development of the virtual particle. Starting with a reflection on the role of presentism for the study of concept formation and development processes, I will show, through the example of the virtual particle, how current debates and interpretations can inform our access to a historical reconstruction. Following these reflections, I will argue for a pragmatist account of concepts as tools for the scientific practitioners. According to the approach presented in my article, concepts perform their functions through representations, and I will lay special focus on verbal representations and their different functions within scientific reasoning. In conclusion, I will frame the outcome of my discussion in terms of a proposal that might, through further research, enrich our understanding of virtual entities in the sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *PHILOSOPHY of science
*RESEARCH & development
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10636145
- Volume :
- 32
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Perspectives on Science
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 177249572
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1162/posc_a_00607