Philosophy of Chemistry

This book, Philosophy of Chemistry, is dedicated to some of the general principles of philosophy of chemistry, the special branch of philosophy of science. Since the work is a collection of lectures that the Author gave at the University of Zagreb (Croatia) during the period of twenty years, the book could serve also as a university textbook in philosophy of chemistry.

Philosophy of chemistry is represented through the discussion about some of the general philosophical problems such as, theory of complexity, autonomy of sciences, epistemology, falsificationism, emergence and unity of science, holism and reductionism, the problem of identity, and hierarchical structures, as well as the teleological aspects of science.

The work consists from thirteen chapters where the main science-philosophical problems are represented and discussed within the historical context of the development of chemistry as a science. The book is aimed at wider academic audience interesting in the philosophy of science, and especially at university students of life sciences.

A comprehensive university textbook in philosophy of chemistry, an emerging field of the philosophy of science Opens questions about the origins of physics and chemistry, and the autonomy of sciences in general Discusses general philosophical questions, such as complexity, identity, analogy, emergence, structure, etc. in the frame of the scientific reasoning in chemistry

Autorentext

Hrvoj Van ik received his PhD degree in Chemistry from the University of Zagreb in 1981, and BS in Music (violin) from the Music academy of Zagreb. He moved for postdoctoral position to University of Utah (U.S.A). At present he is Professor of Chemistry at the University of Zagreb. His interest is focused on the organic reaction mechanisms, reactive intermediates, cryochemistry, solid-state chemistry and philosophy of chemistry. He has published 4 scientific books and more than 100 publications of which most appeared in the highest level international journals.

Inhalt
Chemistry and Philosophy of Science.- Perceptions, experiments and principles.- Synthesis of philosophy and technology.- Alchemy.- Occult Enlightenment.- Conceptualization of science and experimental model systems.- Ceteris paribus.- Scientific revolution in chemistry.- Atoms and molecules.- Systematization, classification, structure, and elements.- Models and reality.- Limits of structural theory.- Teleology.