On the Explanatory Role of Mathematics in Empirical Science

被引:103
作者
Batterman, Robert W. [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Western Ontario, Dept Philosophy, Talbot Coll, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
关键词
DEVIL;
D O I
10.1093/bjps/axp018
中图分类号
N09 [自然科学史]; B [哲学、宗教];
学科分类号
01 ; 0101 ; 010108 ; 060207 ; 060305 ; 0712 ;
摘要
This paper examines contemporary attempts to explicate the explanatory role of mathematics in the physical sciences. Most such approaches involve developing so-called mapping accounts of the relationships between the physical world and mathematical structures. The paper argues that the use of idealizations in physical theorizing poses serious difficulties for such mapping accounts. A new approach to the applicability of mathematics is proposed.
引用
收藏
页码:1 / 25
页数:25
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