On the plausibility of the Epistemic Metaphor hypothesis in an intra-scientific context: the concept of electron spin as a case study

Abstract

The hypothetical notion of Epistemic Metaphor was originally proposed to describe metaphorical processes underlying the production of scientific knowledge. Elaborated by Hector Palma, this notion presents itself as a process in two stages: a synchronic bisociation (joining of two ideas belonging to different conceptual fields) followed by a diachronic literalization (stabilization of meaning over time). The objective of this work was to verify the plausibility of the aforementioned hypothesis in the intra-scientific scope of Physics. For this purpose, we consider the episode referring to the genesis of the concept of electron spin, analyzing historiographical, historical and didactic materials, seeking to highlight the aforementioned metaphorical process. The topic in question is relevant because it is a purely quantum concept, that is, it has no classical analogue. Additionally, research related to the teaching of Modern and Contemporary Physics has indicated the need for didactic proposals aimed at teacher training, which we believe is possible to explore through the epistemic metaphor, as this object highlights historical, philosophical and conceptual elements. The methodology used in the analysis consisted of correlating excerpts (sentences, equations, images, etc.) extracted from the research's documentary base with a set of analytical categories that reflect structural and conceptual aspects of the metaphorical phenomenon investigated. During the analysis, we identified 147 excerpts that, organized into 11 analytical categories, substantiate the metaphorical object in question. Thus, we consider that the result of the analysis indicates the plausibility of the hypothesis considered.