Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 167 |
| Journal | SYNTHESE |
| Volume | 205 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Apr 2025 |
Abstract
Philosophers of science have recently started to discuss the role of scientific methods for their field. Those tendencies have immediate methodological implications for Integrated History and Philosophy Science (&HPS) as an area that contributes to philosophy of science while drawing heavily on historical case studies. This paper addresses the questions whether and if so in which way scientific methods can be useful for research in &HPS by discussing the usefulness of one such method, namely network analysis. By focusing on the example of model transfer in science, I argue that network analysis is particularly useful for doing research in &HPS because it allows for addressing a set of methodological issues arising from the use of case studies. More specifically, my claim is that network analysis can enhance the core functions of case studies in &HPS, namely those of concept generation, of concept refinement, and of empirical justification of concepts. While I discuss the advantages of network analysis for &HPS, I close by cautioning that it cannot replace more traditional philosophical methods. Rather, network analysis must rely on them to fully develop its potentials.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Arts and Humanities(all)
- Philosophy
- Social Sciences(all)
- General Social Sciences
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In: SYNTHESE, Vol. 205, No. 4, 167, 10.04.2025.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Enhancing the function of case studies
T2 - The value of network analysis in integrated history and philosophy of science
AU - Herfeld, Catherine
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2025.
PY - 2025/4/10
Y1 - 2025/4/10
N2 - Philosophers of science have recently started to discuss the role of scientific methods for their field. Those tendencies have immediate methodological implications for Integrated History and Philosophy Science (&HPS) as an area that contributes to philosophy of science while drawing heavily on historical case studies. This paper addresses the questions whether and if so in which way scientific methods can be useful for research in &HPS by discussing the usefulness of one such method, namely network analysis. By focusing on the example of model transfer in science, I argue that network analysis is particularly useful for doing research in &HPS because it allows for addressing a set of methodological issues arising from the use of case studies. More specifically, my claim is that network analysis can enhance the core functions of case studies in &HPS, namely those of concept generation, of concept refinement, and of empirical justification of concepts. While I discuss the advantages of network analysis for &HPS, I close by cautioning that it cannot replace more traditional philosophical methods. Rather, network analysis must rely on them to fully develop its potentials.
AB - Philosophers of science have recently started to discuss the role of scientific methods for their field. Those tendencies have immediate methodological implications for Integrated History and Philosophy Science (&HPS) as an area that contributes to philosophy of science while drawing heavily on historical case studies. This paper addresses the questions whether and if so in which way scientific methods can be useful for research in &HPS by discussing the usefulness of one such method, namely network analysis. By focusing on the example of model transfer in science, I argue that network analysis is particularly useful for doing research in &HPS because it allows for addressing a set of methodological issues arising from the use of case studies. More specifically, my claim is that network analysis can enhance the core functions of case studies in &HPS, namely those of concept generation, of concept refinement, and of empirical justification of concepts. While I discuss the advantages of network analysis for &HPS, I close by cautioning that it cannot replace more traditional philosophical methods. Rather, network analysis must rely on them to fully develop its potentials.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105003208014&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11229-024-04792-9
DO - 10.1007/s11229-024-04792-9
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105003208014
VL - 205
JO - SYNTHESE
JF - SYNTHESE
SN - 0039-7857
IS - 4
M1 - 167
ER -