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Principles and Parameters in Physics and Chemistry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2022

Eric Scerri
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Abstract

The paper examines critically some recently published views by Ramsey on the contrast between ab initio and parametrized theories. I argue that, all things being equal, ab initio calculations are indeed regarded more highly in the physics and chemistry communities. A case study on density functional approaches in theoretical chemistry is presented in order to re-examine the question of ab initio and parametrized approaches in a contemporary context.

Type
Causation and Explanation in Chemistry
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 71 , Issue 5: Proceedings of the 2002 Biennial Meeting of The Philosophy of Science Association. Part II: Symposia Papers , December 2004 , pp. 1082 - 1094
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 by the Philosophy of Science Association

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