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Birth
Pierre was born 09 Jun 1857 in Paris, France. Pierre Duhem's father was Pierre-Joseph Duhem, a commercial traveler, and his mother was Alexandrine Fabre. Family was a socially well-off family and devout Catholics. Education was a priority for Pierre’s Family. -
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Beginnings of a Scholarly Career
1875: Duhem achieves academic success and receives his agrégation in physics, a prestigious examination qualifying him as a teacher. He embarks on his career as a professor of physics at the University of Lille, where he starts making contributions to the field of thermodynamics.
1886: Duhem's passion for the history of science and philosophy leads him to publish his first book, "Le Potentiel Thermodynamique et ses Applications à la Mécanique Chimique et à l'Étude des Phénomènes Électriques" -
A Pinnacle of Philosophical Inquiry
He publishes his seminal work "La Théorie Physique: Son Objet et sa Structure" (The Aim and Structure of Physical Theory), a significant contribution to the philosophy of science. In this book, Duhem discusses the nature of scientific theories, the role of experimentation, and the importance of theoretical constructs in scientific understanding. -
Academic Excellence and Theoretical Pursuits
He publishes the first volume of his monumental work, "Le Système du Monde: Histoire des Doctrines Cosmologiques de Platon à Copernic" (The System of the World: A History of Cosmological Doctrines from Plato to Copernicus). This ambitious project analyzes the history of cosmological theories from ancient times to Copernicus, demonstrating Duhem's expertise in the history and philosophy of science. -
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A Monumental Historical Endeavor
Duhem's academic pursuits are interrupted by World War I. Despite his military service as an artillery officer, he continues his intellectual endeavors whenever possible. -
"Le Système du Monde" Part 2
The second volume of "Le Système du Monde" is published, further examining the history of cosmological theories, including those of Aristotle, Ptolemy, and Copernicus. The work highlights Duhem's deep understanding of historical scientific thought. -
Amidst Turbulence and Intellectual Triumphs
After a long and illustrious academic career, Duhem retires from his position at the University of Bordeaux. He continues to contribute to the philosophical discussions of science until his passing. -
Legacy of a Philosopher-Scientist
Pierre Duhem passes away on September 14th in Cabrespine, France, at the age of 66. His ideas on theory, experimentation, and the nature of scientific progress continue to inspire scholars in various disciplines, leaving a lasting legacy in the history and philosophy of science. -
Explanation of Durham Theory