Research

Friedrich Steinle has become known through his research in the history and philosophy of scientific experiment. Based on studies of the development of modern mechanics, of 18th ct. electricity, of 19th ct. electrodynamics, and of 18th and 19th ct. colour research, he has worked out the use of experiment as means of systematic exploration of new fields – a use that, far beyond the testing of theories, plays a central role in opening new domains of research and in articulating appropriate conceptual frameworks. From here, he has widened his interest to the study of the dynamics of empirical concept formation in general. He holds the chair for History of Science at the Technische Universität Berlin.