Single Idea 17472

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism]

Full Idea

In chemistry the 'thick' notion of a mechanism traces out positions of electrons and atomic cores, and correlates them with energies, showing the whole reaction. 'Thin' mechanisms focus on a discrete set of intermediate steps.

Gist of Idea

Thick mechanisms map whole reactions, and thin mechanism chart the steps

Source

Weisberg/Needham/Hendry (Philosophy of Chemistry [2011], 5.1)

Book Reference

'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.30