Scientific article
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Chemical reduction and quantum interpretation: a case for thomistic emergence

Published inFoundations of chemistry, vol. 25, no. 3, p. 405-417
Publication date2023-08-26
First online date2023-08-26
Abstract

The debate between ontological reductionists and emergentists in chemistry has revolved around quantum mechanics. What Franklin and Seifert (BJPS 2020) add to the long-running dispute is an attention to the measurement problem. They contend that all three realist interpretations of the quantum formalism capable of resolving the measurement problem also obviate any need for chemical emergence. I push their argument further, arguing that the realist interpretations of quantum mechanics actually subvert the basis for reduction as well, by undercutting the idea that fundamental physical particles are actual parts of molecules. With both reduction and traditional synchronic emergence pictures ruled out, the only option for realists about quantum chemistry is strong Thomistic emergence.

Keywords
  • Chemical reduction
  • Chemical emergence
  • Interpretation of quantum mechanics
  • Measurement problem
  • Actually present elements
  • Thomistic emergence
Citation (ISO format)
MILLER, Ryan Michaël. Chemical reduction and quantum interpretation: a case for thomistic emergence. In: Foundations of chemistry, 2023, vol. 25, n° 3, p. 405–417. doi: 10.1007/s10698-023-09479-6
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Article (Published version)
Identifiers
Journal ISSN1386-4238
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