Allan Franklin

Experimental physicist turned philosopher of science who has written extensively about the Rustad-Ruby experiment

 

 

 

Selected Image Date Publication Author(s) Citation title Comments
* 1986 Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association, vol. 1986 Allan Franklin Experiment and the Development of the Theory of Weak Interactions: Fermi’s Theory

Franklin's detailed study of theoretical errors in understanding of beta decay.

 
* 1990 Allan Franklin Experiment Right or Wrong

The first half of the book recounts the history of theory and experiments about beta decay and the weak interaction, including detailed analysis of the Rustad-Ruby experimental error.

* October 5, 1998 Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Allan Franklin Appendix 8: The Articulation of Theory: Weak Interactions

Appendix of Franklin's encyclopedia article Experiment in Physics that reviews the historical context and circumstances of the Rustad-Ruby experiment. Succinct version of his longer history in Experiment Right or Wrong. This is the article from which I first learned of RR.

* October 5, 1998 Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Allan Franklin Experiment in Physics
* July 2005 Scientific Values and Civic Virtues Allan Franklin The Rise and Fall of Emil Konopinski's Theory of Beta Decay

Franklin's study of the K-U modification of the Fermi theory, and its eventual reversal—a theoretical error that preceded the RR experimental error in the history of beta decay research. 

* June 19, 2008 Physics in Perspective Allan Franklin Are the Laws of Physics Inevitable?

Franklin's argument against social constructionism in the scientific process uses the history of beta decay theory and experiment as a case study for empiricism. Despite a series of scientific errors, including RR, the underlying physical truth was finally revealed.

* May 12, 2020 American Institute of Physics Oral History Archive Interviewed by: David Zierler Allan Franklin Oral History

Focus on Franklin’s early career and highlights of his later writings. Includes anecdotes about his undergraduate experience working with Gene Commins on RR-related experiment. There is one great quote but not enough depth about experimental error. 

Selected Image Date Publication Author Citation title Comments
Do Mutants Have to be Slain, or Do They Die of Natural Causes?
The appearance and disappearance of the 27-keV neutrino
Physical Review Letters Measurement of the KL0~ 7r'7I 7ro Dalitz Plot
Physical Review Scattering of Antineutrons by Protons
Perspectives on Science Gravity Waves and Neutrinos: The Later Work of Joseph Weber
Arch. Hist. Exact Sci. Selectivity and the Production of Experimental Results
Spontaneous Generations The Machine Speaks Falsely
Cambridge University Press The Neglect of Experiment
University of Pittsburgh Press Ending the Mendel-Fisher Controversy
 
* 1990 Allan Franklin Experiment Right or Wrong

The first half of the book recounts the history of theory and experiments about beta decay and the weak interaction, including detailed analysis of the Rustad-Ruby experimental error.

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