Pierre Duhem
A physics experiment never tests a hypothesis alone, but a whole set of theories.
Life
French physicist, historian and philosopher of science (1861-1916), professor at Bordeaux. He defends an autonomous theoretical physics and argues that an experiment never tests a single hypothesis but a whole group of hypotheses, which makes any 'crucial experiment' impossible. His historical work also brought medieval science back into view.
Main works
A physical theory classifies and summarizes laws; experiment never tests a hypothesis alone.
History of the idea that astronomical theories account for appearances rather than describe reality.
A vast history of cosmological doctrines, published from 1913 (10 volumes, 1913-1959).
In his own words
« The physicist can never subject an isolated hypothesis to experimental test, but only a whole group of hypotheses; when the experiment disagrees with his predictions, it teaches him that at least one of the hypotheses making up this group is unacceptable and must be modified; but it does not point out which one must be changed. »
« Do two hypotheses of physics ever form so rigorous a dilemma? »
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceA committed Catholic, he held that physics does not prove or refute metaphysics or faith, and he kept his belief in God.
Duhem, La théorie physique, son objet et sa structure (1906)
Physics must stay close to experiment and measurement; theories only organize observed laws.
Duhem, La théorie physique, son objet et sa structure (1906)
A physical theory is never proved by experiment alone: testing always involves many assumptions, so certainty is out of reach.
Duhem, La théorie physique, son objet et sa structure (1906)