Exploratory Experiments

Translated by Alex Levine

The nineteenth century was a formative period for electromagnetism and electrodynamics. Hans Christian Orsted’s groundbreaking discovery of the interaction between electricity and magnetism in 1820 inspired a wave of research, led to the science of electrodynamics, and resulted in the development of electromagnetic theory. Remarkably, in response, Andre-Marie Ampere and Michael Faraday developed two incompatible, competing theories. Although their approaches and conceptual frameworks were fundamentally different, together their work launched a technological revolution—laying the foundation for our modern scientific understanding of electricity—and one of the most important debates in physics, between electrodynamic action-at-a-distance and field theories.

In this foundational study, Friedrich Steinle compares the influential work of Ampere and Faraday to reveal the prominent role of exploratory experimentation in the development of science. While this exploratory phase was responsible for decisive conceptual innovations, it has yet to be examined in such great detail. Focusing on Ampere’s and Faraday’s research practices, reconstructed from previously unknown archival materials, including laboratory notes, diaries, letters, and interactions with instrument makers, this book considers both the historic and epistemological basis of exploratory experimentation and its importance to scientific development.

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It is both Steinle's and his translator, Alex Levine's credit that the complex weave of historical narrative with philosophical reflection is achieved to the degree that Exploratory Experiments an serve as both an introductory text to those relatively unfamiliar with this well-known episode in the history of science as well as a fascinating and challenging account for experts. . . . Steinle's book is important because it demonstrates the importance of historical investigation as a means of making visible a very poorly understood but fundamentally important kind of experimental work.

Kevin Lambert, California State University Fullerton

It is high time that Friedrich Steinle's original study, which introduces, develops, and defends the concept of exploratory experimentation, becomes available to an English-speaking audience. This book is a powerful illustration of how history of science can be a valuable resource for philosophical thought.

Jutta Schickore, Indiana University

This is an extraordinary book, destined to be a classic in several disciplines. Steinle is one of the pioneers responsible for introducing the concept of exploratory experimentation into the philosophy of science.

Richard Burian, Virginia Tech

English readers can now appreciate Steinle's philosophical and historical insights as well as a wealth of freshly uncovered archival material thanks to an excellent translation by Alex Levine.

Cameron Lazaroff-Puck, University of Minnesota

. . . an impeccable, overdue English translation. . . Exploratory Experiments displays a tenacious commitment to understanding Ampere and Faraday's investigative practice, guided impressively by a harmonious blend of historical integrity and philosophical sensibility, not to mention archival ingenuity.

Journal of the History of Science Society

Table of Contents

Sample

Ampère, Faraday, and the Origins of Electrodynamics

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544 Pages, 6 x 9 in.

May, 2016

isbn : 9780822944508

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