Processes on Paper

Writing Procedures as Non-Material Research Devices

Bibliographic Data

ID4848263
AuthorsChristoph Hoffmann (0000-0002-1675-7863, University of Lucerne, corresponding author)
Year2013
Volume26
Issue2
Pages279-303
Publication date2013-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueScience in Context (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0269-8897 • E-ISSN: 1474-0664
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0269889713000069
OpenAlexW1987648749
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited24

ArgumentThe paper focuses on the instrumentality of writing in the context of scientific research. It is suggested that the tool-character of writing is related to specific writing procedures, such as the list. These procedures can vary in their degree of complexity and often follow rules that are not codified. In any case, writing procedures can be characterized as non-material devices of "concretion." Two examples from the notebooks of the physicist and philosopher of science, Ernst Mach (1838-1916), will help to develop the notion of writing procedures. Typical for Mach's use of his notebooks, they highlight the effects of writing in the context of reasoning and reflecting

Argument (complex analysis · Character (mathematics · Context (archaeology · Epistemology · Linguistics · Scientific writing · Academic and Historical Perspectives in Psychology · Chemistry · Computer Science · History · Mathematics · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Philosophy, Science, and History