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Dr. Hesse was Born
Dr. Hesse was born in Reigate, England, which is a little over an hour drive from London today. No Author. (2015). Website in Honour of Mary Hesse. Retrieved from http://www.collodel.org/hesse/# -
BS
Received her Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the Imperial College of Science and Technology Mary B. Hesse. (n.d.). In YourDictionary. Retrieved from https://biography.yourdictionary.com/mary-b-hesse -
MSc
Received her Master of Science from Imperial College of Science and Technology Mary B. Hesse. (n.d.). In YourDictionary. Retrieved from https://biography.yourdictionary.com/mary-b-hesse -
PhD
Received her Doctor of Philosophy from University College London. Defended her thesis on electron microscopy Mary B. Hesse. (n.d.). In YourDictionary. Retrieved from https://biography.yourdictionary.com/mary-b-hesse -
MSc History and Philosophy
Received another Master of Science from University College London in History and Philosophy. Mary B. Hesse. (n.d.). In YourDictionary. Retrieved from https://biography.yourdictionary.com/mary-b-hesse -
First Scientific Publication
Her first publication, “The Calculations of Magnetic Lens Fields by Relaxation Methods” was a journal article. The topic built off of her doctoral thesis topic on electron microscopy. Hesse, M (1950). The Calculation of Magnetic Lens Fields by Relaxation Methods. Proceedings of the Physical Society - Section B, 63: 6 (June 1950), 386-401 -
First Philosophy of Science Publication
Argues that there are problems with traditional models used in physics, namely that models are based on parameters necessary for the model to work, but that those parameters are assumed. The model breaks down if the assumptions cannot be performed. She proposes only using assumptions that can actually be performed. Hesse, M. (1952). Operational Definition and Analogy in Physical Theories. The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 2(8), 281–294. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/II.8.281 -
Publication of Science and the Human Imagination
Dr. Hesse says in this book “the sciences, exemplified here by dynamics and astronomy, have always been closely related to their cultural and religious environment”. She is arguing that scientific progress cannot occur outside of the world in which it is being conducted and is informed by the world and religious views of the time and place. V. F. Lenzen, "Science and the Human Imagination. Mary B. Hesse ," Isis 47, no. 2 (Jun., 1956): 190-191.
https://doi.org/10.1086/348487 -
Published Models and Analogies
One of her best known publications on the benefit of models and analogies to the furthering of scientific inquiry. The attached figure is a table from the book giving examples of how models can be used in physics. (N.d). Exposition and Guidance by Analogy. Under the Sea. Retrieved from https://whaaales.com/exposition-and-guidance-by-analogy/ -
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Editor of the British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
She was the editor of the British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 1965 to 1969. Jardine, N. (2018). Mary Brenda Hesse. Biographical Memoirs of the British Academy. Academia.com. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/36508761/MARY_BRENDA_HESSE.docx -
Established Department of Philosophy of Science
Helped establish Cambridge University’s Department of Philosophy of Science in 1972. Jardine, N. (2018). Mary Brenda Hesse. Biographical Memoirs of the British Academy. Academia.com. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/36508761/MARY_BRENDA_HESSE.docx -
Published How to Be a Postmodernist and Remain a Christian
This book attempted to reconcile Christian faith with science and a modern perspective. "How to Be a Postmodernist and Remain a Christian" in After Pentecost: Language and Biblical Interpretation, C. G. Bartholomew, C. J. D. Greene and K. Möller (eds), Paternoster: Carlisle and Zondervan: Grand Rapids (Mich.) 2001. -
Dr. Hesse Passed away
Dr. Hesse passed away from a neurodegenerative disease. She was days short of her 92nd birthday.
No Author. (2015). Website in Honour of Mary Hesse. Retrieved from http://www.collodel.org/hesse/#
