Abstract
In this paper, I provide an account of scientific representation that makes sense of the notion both at the nanoscale and at the quantum level: the partial mappings account. The account offers an extension of a proposal developed by R. I. G. Hughes in terms of denotation, demonstration, and interpretation (DDI). I first argue that the DDI account needs some amendments to accommodate representation of nano and quantum phenomena. I then introduce a generalized framework with the notions of unsharp denotation, unsharp interpretation, and partial mappings. I conclude by arguing that the resulting view not only accommodates nano and quantum representations but also makes sense of representation by imaging in (scanning tunneling) microscopy.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 617-628 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Philosophy of Science |
Volume | 73 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2006 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- History
- Philosophy
- History and Philosophy of Science