Explaining Photosynthesis

Models of Biochemical Mechanisms, 1840-1960

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Reference
Cover of the book Explaining Photosynthesis by Kärin Nickelsen, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Kärin Nickelsen ISBN: 9789401795821
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: June 17, 2015
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Kärin Nickelsen
ISBN: 9789401795821
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: June 17, 2015
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Recounting the compelling story of a scientific discovery that took more than a century to complete, this trail-blazing monograph focuses on methodological issues and is the first to delve into this subject. This book charts how the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of photosynthesis were teased out by succeeding generations of scientists, and the author highlights the reconstruction of the heuristics of modelling the mechanism—analyzed at both individual and collective levels.

Photosynthesis makes for an instructive example. The first tentative ideas were developed by organic chemists around 1840, while by 1960 an elaborate proposal at a molecular level, for both light and dark reactions, was established. The latter is still assumed to be basically correct today. The author makes a persuasive case for a historically informed philosophy of science, especially regarding methodology, and advocates a history of science whose narrative deploys philosophical approaches and categories. She shows how scientists’ attempts to formulate, justify, modify, confirm or criticize their models are best interpreted as series of coordinated research actions, dependent on a network of super- and subordinated epistemic goals, and guided by recurrent heuristic strategies.

With dedicated chapters on key figures such as Otto Warburg, who borrowed epistemic fundamentals from other disciplines to facilitate his own work on photosynthesis, and on more general topics relating to the development of the field after Warburg, this new work is both a philosophical reflection on the nature of scientific enquiry and a detailed history of the processes behind one of science’s most important discoveries.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Recounting the compelling story of a scientific discovery that took more than a century to complete, this trail-blazing monograph focuses on methodological issues and is the first to delve into this subject. This book charts how the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of photosynthesis were teased out by succeeding generations of scientists, and the author highlights the reconstruction of the heuristics of modelling the mechanism—analyzed at both individual and collective levels.

Photosynthesis makes for an instructive example. The first tentative ideas were developed by organic chemists around 1840, while by 1960 an elaborate proposal at a molecular level, for both light and dark reactions, was established. The latter is still assumed to be basically correct today. The author makes a persuasive case for a historically informed philosophy of science, especially regarding methodology, and advocates a history of science whose narrative deploys philosophical approaches and categories. She shows how scientists’ attempts to formulate, justify, modify, confirm or criticize their models are best interpreted as series of coordinated research actions, dependent on a network of super- and subordinated epistemic goals, and guided by recurrent heuristic strategies.

With dedicated chapters on key figures such as Otto Warburg, who borrowed epistemic fundamentals from other disciplines to facilitate his own work on photosynthesis, and on more general topics relating to the development of the field after Warburg, this new work is both a philosophical reflection on the nature of scientific enquiry and a detailed history of the processes behind one of science’s most important discoveries.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Early Modern Medicine and Natural Philosophy by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book History of Ophthalmology 1 by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book Integrated Water Resources Management in the Mediterranean Region by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book Thinking about Society: Theory and Practice by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book Empirical Studies in Industrial Organization by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book Design and Production of Multimedia and Simulation-based Learning Material by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book Learning Trajectories, Innovation and Identity for Professional Development by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book Acta Historiae Neerlandicae by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book Clinical Urology Illustrated by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book A short history of breast cancer by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book Internal Logic by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book A study of glossematics by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book Positive Psychology in Latin America by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book The Nature of the Creative Process in Art by Kärin Nickelsen
Cover of the book Green Approaches To Asymmetric Catalytic Synthesis by Kärin Nickelsen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy