Explanation in organic chemistry.
In this paper, a model of a subclass of the explanations given in organic chemistry is developed. This model is supported by three concrete examples. The model suggests that in this discipline, laws, theories, and causal reasoning are interrelated in interesting and heretofore unexplored ways. The model also reserves a prominent place for idealizations and capacities ascribed on the basis of the structural features of molecules. The author hopes to have established that philosophical reflection on the methodology of organic chemistry can yield interesting and valuable new insights into classical issues in the philosophy of science.
Goodwin
William
W
Group in Logic and the Methodology of Science, University of California, Berkeley 94720-2390, USA. wmgoodwin4@aol.com