Idealizations in physics
pp. 177-192
in: Massimo Ferrari, Ion-Olimpiu Stamatescu (eds), Symbol and physical knowledge, Berlin, Springer, 2002Abstract
Heinrich Hertz was the first to introduce the concept of a symbol to characterize physical knowledge. He invoked this concept to highlight the fact that physical theories are not mere copies of nature. They contain a considerable constructive element. As it will turn out the use of idealizations sustains Hertz's claim.
