Cosponsored by Department of Chemistry

Jeff Ramsey - *Oct. 25
Smith College

Abstract
Scientists often confront problems that can be posed within the framework of available theories but are computationally and/or analytically intractable without modifying the theories. How do they apply theory in such cases? Are there criteria for acceptable and unacceptable modifications of existing theory? After sketching how traditional philosophies of science ignore these questions, examples from the chemical sciences are sketched to argue that such questions are philosophically and methodologically interesting to both philosophers and scientists. Examples to be discussed include the relation of molecular shape to quantum mechanics and the use of semi-empirical techniques in molecular energy calculations. Based on the evidence of the case studies, I argue that scientists are doing philosophy in such instances whether they know it or not!

Biography
Jeff Ramsey holds a B.A. in chemistry from Kansas State University and an M.S. in chemistry and a Ph.D. in the Conceptual Foundations of Science from the University of Chicago. He teaches in the Philosophy Department at Smith College. His research focuses on how scientists view questions about theory construction, explanation and reduction when they are faced with problems that are insoluble in practice or in principle (e.g., in the area of semiempirical models). He is also interested in questions of conceptual analysis as they arise in the chemical sciences (e.g., the case of molecular shape). His essays have appeared in Philosophy of Science, Studies in History and Philosophy of Science, and Synthese, among other journals.

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Fall 2001