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Philosophy of Chemistry—A New Interdisciplinary Field?
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Abstract
Chemistry and philosophy, which may seem to be very different disciplines, have recently undergone a rapprochement with the rebirth of philosophy of chemistry. This article discusses recent developments in this new interdisciplinary field, including work on the alleged reduction of chemistry to quantum mechanics, the role of models, naive realism, and the question of molecular structure. It is argued that as chemistry continues to grow in sophistication, these and other conceptual issues become increasingly important to chemical educators at all levels.
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Periodicity / Periodic TableCiting Articles
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This article has been cited by 5 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).
The Philosophy of Chemistry as a New Resource for Chemistry Education
Martín Labarca , Olimpia LombardiJournal of Chemical Education2007 84 (1), 187The Philosophy of Chemistry as a New Resource for Chemistry Education
Martín Labarca , Olimpia LombardiJournal of Chemical Education2007 84 (1), 187In this paper we address the problem of the relationship between chemistry and physics, and argue for the introduction of philosophical issues in teaching chemistry in order to better face this long-standing, subtle problem. In particular, we reject the ...
Report on an Interdisciplinary Seminar in the Philosophy of Chemistry
Steven Gimbel , Michael WedlockJournal of Chemical Education2006 83 (6), 880Report on an Interdisciplinary Seminar in the Philosophy of Chemistry
Steven Gimbel , Michael WedlockJournal of Chemical Education2006 83 (6), 880We report on an experimental seminar in the philosophy of chemistry that brought together a philosopher, a physical chemist, an organic chemist, an inorganic chemist, and four undergraduates to discuss foundational aspects of chemistry. The structure of ...
Critical Thinking in the Chemistry Classroom and Beyond
Claus JacobJournal of Chemical Education2004 81 (8), 1216Critical Thinking in the Chemistry Classroom and Beyond
Claus JacobJournal of Chemical Education2004 81 (8), 1216The success of chemistry depends on good experimental practice and proper chemical statements. While students receive a thorough training in research techniques, learn to assess the quality of their results, and discuss possible implications, they rarely ...
Philosophical Confusion in Chemical Education Research
Eric R. ScerriJournal of Chemical Education2003 80 (5), 468Philosophical Confusion in Chemical Education Research
Eric R. ScerriJournal of Chemical Education2003 80 (5), 468The reputation of chemical education research among mainstream chemists is in need of improvement. This paper makes the claim that the present state of affairs is partly the result of the careless use of philosophical terms such as constructivism, ...
Have Orbitals Really Been Observed?
Eric R. ScerriJournal of Chemical Education2000 77 (11), 1492Have Orbitals Really Been Observed?
Eric R. ScerriJournal of Chemical Education2000 77 (11), 1492Recent reports claiming to have observed textbook d orbitals are analyzed and it is argued that what was observed indirectly, and not for the first time, was actually electron density. It is also suggested that the tendency to use the terms electron ...
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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