The Philosophy of Chemistry as a New Resource for Chemistry Education

Martín Labarca
Filosofía e Historia de la Ciencia, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Olimpia Lombardi
Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (1), p 187
DOI: 10.1021/ed084p187
Publication Date (Web): January 1, 2007

Abstract

In 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 widespread assumption of ontological reduction, which holds that although the properties of a chemical system cannot be effectively derived from physical properties, chemical entities—when analyzed in depth—are no more than physical entities. From our perspective, the ontological autonomy of the chemical world should be defended on the basis of an ontological pluralism that is philosophically grounded. In this sense, the philosophy of chemistry proves to be an essential resource for chemistry education, to the extent that it contributes to a better understanding of the nature of chemistry and its place in the context of natural sciences.

Keywords (Audience):

Graduate Education / Research

Keywords (Domain):

History / Philosophy

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Misconceptions / Discrepant Events

Keywords (Subject):

Physical Properties
View: Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links

Tools

SciFinder Links

SciFinder subscribers: Click to sign in | Not a SciFinder subscriber? Learn more at www.cas.org

Explore by:

History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

Recommend & Share

  • Share on ACS NetworkACS Network
  • Add to FacebookFacebook
  • Tweet ThisTweet This
  • Add to CiteULikeCiteULike
  • Add to NewsvineNewsvine
  • Digg ThisDigg This
  • Add to DeliciousDelicious

Related Content