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(1990) Synthese 83 (3).
Duhem first expounds the holistic thesis, according to which an experimental test always involves several hypotheses, in articles dating from the 1890s. Poincaré's analysis of a recent experiment in optics provides the incentive, but Duhem generalizes this analysis and develops a highly original methodological position. He is led to reject inductivism. I will endeavor to show the crucial role history of science comes to play in the development of Duhem's holism.
Publication details
DOI: 10.1007/BF00413419
Full citation:
Brenner, A. (1990). Holism a century ago: the elaboration of Duhem's thesis. Synthese 83 (3), pp. 325-335.
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