Modeling High-Temperature Superconductivity: Correspondence at Bay?

Hartmann, Stephan (2008): Modeling High-Temperature Superconductivity: Correspondence at Bay? In: Soler, Léna; Sankey, H. and Hoyningen-Huene, Paul (eds.) : Rethinking Scientific Change and Theory Comparison: Stabilities, Ruptures, Incommensurabilities? Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science, Vol. 255. Berlin: Springer. pp. 107-128

Abstract

How does a predecessor theory relate to its successor? According to Heinz Post's General Correspondence Principle, the successor theory has to account for the empirical success of its predecessor. After a critical discussion of this principle, I outline and discuss various kinds of correspondence relations that hold between successive scientific theories. I then look in some detail at a case study from contemporary physics: the various proposals for a theory of high-temperature superconductivity. The aim of this case study is to understand better the prospects and the place of a methodological principle such as the Generalized Correspondence Principle. Generalizing from the case study, I will then argue that some such principle has to be considered, at best, as one tool that might guide scientists in their theorizing. Finally I present a tentative account of why principles such as the Generalized Correspondence Principle work so often and why there is so much continuity in scientific theorizing.

• Item Type: Book Section
• Form of publication: Postprint
• Keywords: Theory change, correspondence principle, Bayesianism, high-temperature superconductivity
• Faculties: Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP); Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP) > Philosophy of Science; Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and Religious Science > Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP) > Philosophy of Physics
• Subjects: 100 Philosophy and Psychology > 100 Philosophy
• ISBN: 978-1-4020-6279-7
• Place of Publication: Berlin
• Language: English