Author's Department/Program
Philosophy
Language
English (en)
Date of Award
5-24-2010
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Chair and Committee
Dennis Des Chene
Abstract
While the progress of science has been described by some as proceeding by a series of "crucial experiments," I claim that an important factor in the development of many scientific fields is that of what I call "crucial resolutions" of outstanding anomalies. In contrast to crucial experiments, crucial resolutions are proposed to solve persistent anomalies or conflicting theoretical positions - often in advance of experimental confirmation. I illustrate this point using specific examples from the history of endocrinology. I claim this general structure of explanatory models can serve as a template for philosophical and historical investigations in other scientific fields.
Recommended Citation
Rolloff, Sylvia, "Explanatory Models in Behavioral Endocrinology" (2010). All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs). 898.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/etd/898
Comments
Permanent URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.7936/K7JW8BZW