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This book explores the philosophy and the foundations of quantum chemistry. It features chapters written by experts in the field. The contributions analyze quantum chemistry as a discipline, in particular, its relation with both chemistry and physics from the viewpoint of realism and reduction. Coverage includes such topics as quantum chemistry as an "in-between" discipline, molecular structure and quantum mechanics, quantum chemical models, and atoms and molecules in quantum chemistry.
The interest of this book is twofold. First, the contributions aim to update and refresh the discussions regarding the foundations of quantum chemistry. Second, they seek to develop new philosophical perspectives that this discipline can suggest to philosophers of science.
From its origins, quantum chemistry filled a problematic position in the disciplinary space. On the one hand, it is a branch of theoretical chemistry. On the other hand, it appeals essentially to theoretical tools coming from physics. This peculiar position triggered conceptual questions about its own identity. Inside this book, readers will find updated discussions on the foundations and the philosophy of this complex discipline.
List of contents
The historical origins of quantum chemistry by Ana Simoes.- Quantum chemistry as an "in-between" discipline by Kostas Gavroglu.- Quantum chemistry from a pragmatic pluralist perspective by Hasok Chang.- The role of quantum chemistry in the relation between chemistry and physics by Hinne Hettema.- Molecular structure and quantum mechanics by Robin Hendry.- The periodic table from a quantum viewpoint by Eric Scerri.- About the ontology of quantum chemistry by Olimpia Lombardi and Juan Camilo Martínez González.- Quantum chemistry and affordances by Jean-Pierre Lorred.- The Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules from a quantum perspective by Sebastian Fortin and Jesús Jaimes Arriaga.- Atoms and molecules in quantum chemistry by Brian Sutcliffe.- Quantum chemistry and the representationalist view of models by Hernán Accorinty and Juan Camilo Martínez González.
About the author
¿Olimpia Lombardi: Principal Researcher at CONICET and University of Buenos Aires. Research interests: philosophy of physics and philosophy of chemistry.
Juan Camilo Martínez González: Posdoc at CONICET and University of Buenos Aires. Research interests: philosophy of chemistry.
Sebastian Fortin: Researcher at CONICET and University of Buenos Aires. Research interests: philosophy of physics and philosophy of chemistry.
