Explanatory Models in Behavioral Endocrinology

While the progress of science has been described by some as proceeding by a series of "crucial experiments," I claim that an important factor in the development of many scientific fields is that of what I call "crucial resolutions" of outstanding anomalies. In contrast to crucial experiments, crucial resolutions are proposed to solve persistent anomalies or conflicting theoretical positions - often in advance of experimental confirmation. I illustrate this point using specific examples from the history of endocrinology. I claim this general structure of explanatory models can serve as a template for philosophical and historical investigations in other scientific fields.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Philosophy

Year dc:date.available

2010

Author dc:creator

• Rolloff, Sylvia

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dennis Des Chene

• Philosophy of Science
• History of Science
• GLBT Studies
• Endocrinology
• Explanatory Models
• Gender Identity
• Homosexuality
• Philosophy
• Sexual development

Language dc:language

English (en)

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7936/K7JW8BZW

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openscholarship.wustl.edu:etd-1897