The philosophy of chemistry considers the methodology and underlying assumptions of the science of chemistry, and is explored by philosophers, chemists and philosopher-chemist teams together. For much of its history, philosophy of science was dominated by the philosophy of physics, but the philosophical questions that arise from chemistry, such as the nature of chemical bonding, the relationship between chemistry and physics, and the status of chemical laws and explanations, have received increasing attention since the latter part of the twentieth century.
Facts
Central QuestionSourced to the subject's own accountWhat are the methodological and philosophical assumptions underlying the science of chemistry, and can chemical phenomena be fully explained by physics or do they require their own principles? 1 Key DebateSourced to the subject's own accountWhether quantum mechanics can fully explain all chemical phenomena or whether inexplicable gaps remain in the reductionist program, with concepts such as aromaticity, pH, reactivity and nucleophilicity cited as resisting reduction. 1 Key DebateSourced to the subject's own accountWhether the homochirality of the basic chemical building blocks of life, amino acids, nucleic acids and sugars, which occur in organisms as a single enantiomer, arose by chance in an originally racemic environment or reflects some other underlying process, and whether an assumption that nature should be symmetrical biases which evidence gets treated as anomalous. 1 Connections
Associated With
Source Philosophy of Chemistry (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Philosophy of Chemistry (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLead section
The philosophy of chemistry considers the methodology and underlying assumptions of the science of chemistry.
Reduction in chemistry discussion
suggested that difficulties exist in the reductionist program with concepts like aromaticity, pH, reactivity, nucleophilicity
Foundations of chemistry section, homochirality discussion
Chemists, biochemists, and biologists alike debate the origins of this homochirality.
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