The views of Francis Halbwachs on the nature of explanation in Physics and how they affect research in Didactics of Science

Abstract

In this paper we argue that the epistemological views of F. Halbwachs, a close collaborator of J. Piaget, and in particular his views on the various kinds of explanation in the field of Physics are of considerable relevance to research conducted in the context of Didactics of Science. This paper describes these views and comments, in their point of view, the research related to the explanatory schemes that students use to describe and explain physical phenomena and, in particular, mechanical phenomena. Also, the implications of Halbwachs' views on the analysis and (re)design of conceptual content of Physics curricula are discussed.