On some structural aspects of physical problems

Aristides Baltas

pp. 299-320

in: Synthese 89 (2), 1991.

Abstract

Bachelard's concept of the problématique is used in order to classify physical problems and their interrelations. This classification is effectuated along two ‘dimensions’. Along the “horizontal dimension”, physical problems are divided into the kinds that the different modes of physics' development define. These modes are themselves determined by the interplay among the conceptual system, the object and the experimentation transactions specific to physics. Along the “vertical dimension”, physical problems are classified according to the different stages of ‘maturation’ they have to undergo before the process of their solution is effectively undertaken. To determine these ‘maturation’ stages, the Althusserian conception of ideology is used. The interrelations between physical problems are examined through the introduction and elaboration of the notion “interdependence network”.