Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Reductionism

Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Reductionism

Author: H. Primas

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-11-11

Total Pages: 468

ISBN-13: 3662113147

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The purpose of this book is to provide a deeper insight into the modern theories of molecular matter. It incorporates the most important developments which have taken place during the last decades and reflects the modern trend to abstraction. At the present state of the art we have acquired a fairly good knowledge of "how to. compute" small molecules us ing the methods of quantum chemistry. Yet, in spite of many statements to the contrary and many superficial discussions, the theoretical basis of chemistry and biology is not safely in our hands. It is all but impossible to summarize the modern developments of the theory of matter in nontechnical language. But I hope that I can give some feeling for the problems, the intellectual excitements and the wor ries of some theoreticians. I know very well that such an enterprise is a dangerous adventure and that one says that a clever scientist should take care of his reputation by barricading himself behind the safe wall of his speciality. This volume is not meant to be a textbook; in many respects it has complementary goals. For good and bad reasons, most textbooks ignore the historical and philosophical aspects and go ahead on the basis of crude simplifications; many even lie like the devil and do not shrink from naive indoctrination. Some sections of this book can be read as commentaries on our standard texts, they are intended to stir the waters with controversy.


Book Synopsis Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Reductionism by : H. Primas

Download or read book Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Reductionism written by H. Primas and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-11-11 with total page 468 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this book is to provide a deeper insight into the modern theories of molecular matter. It incorporates the most important developments which have taken place during the last decades and reflects the modern trend to abstraction. At the present state of the art we have acquired a fairly good knowledge of "how to. compute" small molecules us ing the methods of quantum chemistry. Yet, in spite of many statements to the contrary and many superficial discussions, the theoretical basis of chemistry and biology is not safely in our hands. It is all but impossible to summarize the modern developments of the theory of matter in nontechnical language. But I hope that I can give some feeling for the problems, the intellectual excitements and the wor ries of some theoreticians. I know very well that such an enterprise is a dangerous adventure and that one says that a clever scientist should take care of his reputation by barricading himself behind the safe wall of his speciality. This volume is not meant to be a textbook; in many respects it has complementary goals. For good and bad reasons, most textbooks ignore the historical and philosophical aspects and go ahead on the basis of crude simplifications; many even lie like the devil and do not shrink from naive indoctrination. Some sections of this book can be read as commentaries on our standard texts, they are intended to stir the waters with controversy.

Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Reductionism

Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Reductionism

Author: Hans Primas

Publisher:

Published: 1983-09-01

Total Pages: 472

ISBN-13: 9783642693663

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Book Synopsis Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Reductionism by : Hans Primas

Download or read book Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics and Reductionism written by Hans Primas and published by . This book was released on 1983-09-01 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Reducing Chemistry to Physics

Reducing Chemistry to Physics

Author: Hinne Hettema

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2012-08-24

Total Pages: 480

ISBN-13: 9781475120912

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Chemistry and physics are two sciences that are hard to connect. Yet there is significant overlap in their aims, methods, and theoretical approaches. In this book, the reduction of chemistry to physics is defended from the viewpoint of a naturalised Nagelian reduction, which is based on a close reading of Nagel's original text. This naturalised notion of reduction is capable of characterising the inter-theory relationships between theories of chemistry and theories of physics. The reconsideration of reduction also leads to a new characterisation of chemical theories. This book is primarily aimed at philosophers of chemistry and chemists with an interest in philosophy, but is also of interest to the general philosopher of science.


Book Synopsis Reducing Chemistry to Physics by : Hinne Hettema

Download or read book Reducing Chemistry to Physics written by Hinne Hettema and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2012-08-24 with total page 480 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Chemistry and physics are two sciences that are hard to connect. Yet there is significant overlap in their aims, methods, and theoretical approaches. In this book, the reduction of chemistry to physics is defended from the viewpoint of a naturalised Nagelian reduction, which is based on a close reading of Nagel's original text. This naturalised notion of reduction is capable of characterising the inter-theory relationships between theories of chemistry and theories of physics. The reconsideration of reduction also leads to a new characterisation of chemical theories. This book is primarily aimed at philosophers of chemistry and chemists with an interest in philosophy, but is also of interest to the general philosopher of science.

Philosophical Perspectives in Quantum Chemistry

Philosophical Perspectives in Quantum Chemistry

Author: Olimpia Lombardi

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-05-16

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 3030983730

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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.


Book Synopsis Philosophical Perspectives in Quantum Chemistry by : Olimpia Lombardi

Download or read book Philosophical Perspectives in Quantum Chemistry written by Olimpia Lombardi and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-05-16 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

The Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

The Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

Author: Roland Omnès

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 570

ISBN-13: 9780691036694

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The interpretation of quantum mechanics has been controversial since the introduction of quantum theory in the 1920s. Although the Copenhagen interpretation is commonly accepted, its usual formulation suffers from some serious drawbacks. Based mainly on Bohr's concepts, the formulation assumes an independent and essential validity of classical concepts running in parallel with quantum ones, and leaves open the possibility of their ultimate conflict. In this book, Roland Omn s examines a number of recent advances, which, combined, lead to a consistent revision of the Copenhagen interpretation. His aim is to show how this interpretation can fit all present experiments, to weed out unnecessary or questionable assumptions, and to assess the domain of validity where the older statements apply. Drawing on the new contributions, The Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics offers a complete and self-contained treatment of interpretation (in nonrelativistic physics) in a manner accessible to both physicists and students. Although some "hard" results are included, the concepts and mathematical developments are maintained at an undergraduate level. This book enables readers to check every step, apply the techniques to new problems, and make sure that no paradox or obscurity can arise in the theory. In the conclusion, the author discusses various philosophical implications pertinent to the study of quantum mechanics.


Book Synopsis The Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics by : Roland Omnès

Download or read book The Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics written by Roland Omnès and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 1994 with total page 570 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The interpretation of quantum mechanics has been controversial since the introduction of quantum theory in the 1920s. Although the Copenhagen interpretation is commonly accepted, its usual formulation suffers from some serious drawbacks. Based mainly on Bohr's concepts, the formulation assumes an independent and essential validity of classical concepts running in parallel with quantum ones, and leaves open the possibility of their ultimate conflict. In this book, Roland Omn s examines a number of recent advances, which, combined, lead to a consistent revision of the Copenhagen interpretation. His aim is to show how this interpretation can fit all present experiments, to weed out unnecessary or questionable assumptions, and to assess the domain of validity where the older statements apply. Drawing on the new contributions, The Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics offers a complete and self-contained treatment of interpretation (in nonrelativistic physics) in a manner accessible to both physicists and students. Although some "hard" results are included, the concepts and mathematical developments are maintained at an undergraduate level. This book enables readers to check every step, apply the techniques to new problems, and make sure that no paradox or obscurity can arise in the theory. In the conclusion, the author discusses various philosophical implications pertinent to the study of quantum mechanics.

Reductionism, Emergence and Levels of Reality

Reductionism, Emergence and Levels of Reality

Author: Sergio Chibbaro

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-05-13

Total Pages: 171

ISBN-13: 3319063618

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Scientists have always attempted to explain the world in terms of a few unifying principles. In the fifth century B.C. Democritus boldly claimed that reality is simply a collection of indivisible and eternal parts or atoms. Over the centuries his doctrine has remained a landmark, and much progress in physics is due to its distinction between subjective perception and objective reality. This book discusses theory reduction in physics, which states that the whole is nothing more than the sum of its parts: the properties of things are directly determined by their constituent parts. Reductionism deals with the relation between different theories that address different levels of reality, and uses extrapolations to apply that relation in different sciences. Reality shows a complex structure of connections, and the dream of a unified interpretation of all phenomena in several simple laws continues to attract anyone with genuine philosophical and scientific interests. If the most radical reductionist point of view is correct, the relationship between disciplines is strictly inclusive: chemistry becomes physics, biology becomes chemistry, and so on. Eventually, only one science, indeed just a single theory, would survive, with all others merging in the Theory of Everything. Is the current coexistence of different sciences a mere historical venture which will end when the Theory of Everything has been established? Can there be a unified description of nature? Rather than an analysis of full reductionism, this book focuses on aspects of theory reduction in physics and stimulates reflection on related questions: is there any evidence of actual reduction? Are the examples used in the philosophy of science too simplistic? What has been endangered by the search for (the) ultimate truth? Has the dream of reductionist reason created any monsters? Is big science one such monster? What is the point of embedding science Y within science X, if predictions cannot be made on that basis?


Book Synopsis Reductionism, Emergence and Levels of Reality by : Sergio Chibbaro

Download or read book Reductionism, Emergence and Levels of Reality written by Sergio Chibbaro and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-05-13 with total page 171 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scientists have always attempted to explain the world in terms of a few unifying principles. In the fifth century B.C. Democritus boldly claimed that reality is simply a collection of indivisible and eternal parts or atoms. Over the centuries his doctrine has remained a landmark, and much progress in physics is due to its distinction between subjective perception and objective reality. This book discusses theory reduction in physics, which states that the whole is nothing more than the sum of its parts: the properties of things are directly determined by their constituent parts. Reductionism deals with the relation between different theories that address different levels of reality, and uses extrapolations to apply that relation in different sciences. Reality shows a complex structure of connections, and the dream of a unified interpretation of all phenomena in several simple laws continues to attract anyone with genuine philosophical and scientific interests. If the most radical reductionist point of view is correct, the relationship between disciplines is strictly inclusive: chemistry becomes physics, biology becomes chemistry, and so on. Eventually, only one science, indeed just a single theory, would survive, with all others merging in the Theory of Everything. Is the current coexistence of different sciences a mere historical venture which will end when the Theory of Everything has been established? Can there be a unified description of nature? Rather than an analysis of full reductionism, this book focuses on aspects of theory reduction in physics and stimulates reflection on related questions: is there any evidence of actual reduction? Are the examples used in the philosophy of science too simplistic? What has been endangered by the search for (the) ultimate truth? Has the dream of reductionist reason created any monsters? Is big science one such monster? What is the point of embedding science Y within science X, if predictions cannot be made on that basis?

Reductionism

Reductionism

Author: Alastair I. M. Rae

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2013-09-01

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 178074255X

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An unparalleled introduction to how the science of the small explains the biggest phenomena of life From the atom to our societies, this is an unparalleled introduction to how the science of the small explains the biggest phenomena of life. Ever since the ancient Greeks conceived of the atom, humans have sought the smallest ingredients of existence. In the past century, the use of reductionism to understand behaviour has gained momentum as the quantum universe and the workings of the human mind have been uncovered in particle colliders and fMRI scanners. Acclaimed physicist Alastair I.M. Rae spells out how the powerful tool of reductionism works, from the level of subatomic particles, up through molecular chemistry, and beyond to our neural networks. How does physics explain consciousness? Can quantum mechanics be applied to the brain or mind? What can economists learn from reductionism? Rae’s exploration is an indispensable guide to one of the most fundamental ideas of science.


Book Synopsis Reductionism by : Alastair I. M. Rae

Download or read book Reductionism written by Alastair I. M. Rae and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2013-09-01 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An unparalleled introduction to how the science of the small explains the biggest phenomena of life From the atom to our societies, this is an unparalleled introduction to how the science of the small explains the biggest phenomena of life. Ever since the ancient Greeks conceived of the atom, humans have sought the smallest ingredients of existence. In the past century, the use of reductionism to understand behaviour has gained momentum as the quantum universe and the workings of the human mind have been uncovered in particle colliders and fMRI scanners. Acclaimed physicist Alastair I.M. Rae spells out how the powerful tool of reductionism works, from the level of subatomic particles, up through molecular chemistry, and beyond to our neural networks. How does physics explain consciousness? Can quantum mechanics be applied to the brain or mind? What can economists learn from reductionism? Rae’s exploration is an indispensable guide to one of the most fundamental ideas of science.

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Author: Sy M. Blinder

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2012-12-02

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 0080489281

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Introduction to Quantum Mechanics provides a lucid, up-to-date introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics at the level of undergraduates and first-year graduate students in chemistry, materials science, biology and related fields. It shows how the fundamental concepts of quantum theory arose from classic experiments in physics and chemistry, and presents the quantum-mechanical foundations of modern techniques including molecular spectroscopy, lasers and NMR. Blinder also discusses recent conceptual developments in quantum theory, including Schrödinger's Cat, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment, Bell's theorem and quantum computing. Clearly presents the basics of quantum mechanics and modern developments in the field Explains applications to molecular spectroscopy, lasers, NMR, and MRI Introduces new concepts such as Schrödinger's Cat, Bell's Theorem, and quantum computing Includes full-color illustrations, proven pedagogical features, and links to online materials


Book Synopsis Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by : Sy M. Blinder

Download or read book Introduction to Quantum Mechanics written by Sy M. Blinder and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2012-12-02 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics provides a lucid, up-to-date introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics at the level of undergraduates and first-year graduate students in chemistry, materials science, biology and related fields. It shows how the fundamental concepts of quantum theory arose from classic experiments in physics and chemistry, and presents the quantum-mechanical foundations of modern techniques including molecular spectroscopy, lasers and NMR. Blinder also discusses recent conceptual developments in quantum theory, including Schrödinger's Cat, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment, Bell's theorem and quantum computing. Clearly presents the basics of quantum mechanics and modern developments in the field Explains applications to molecular spectroscopy, lasers, NMR, and MRI Introduces new concepts such as Schrödinger's Cat, Bell's Theorem, and quantum computing Includes full-color illustrations, proven pedagogical features, and links to online materials

Advances in the Theory of Atomic and Molecular Systems

Advances in the Theory of Atomic and Molecular Systems

Author: Piotr Piecuch

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2009-09-30

Total Pages: 448

ISBN-13: 9048125960

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Advances in the Theory of Atomic and Molecular Systems, is a collection of contributions presenting recent theoretical and computational developments that provide new insights into the structure, properties, and behavior of a variety of atomic and molecular systems. This volume (subtitled: Conceptual and Computational Advances in Quantum Chemistry) focuses on electronic structure theory and its foundations. This volume is an invaluable resource for faculty, graduate students, and researchers interested in theoretical and computational chemistry and physics, physical chemistry and chemical physics, molecular spectroscopy, and related areas of science and engineering.


Book Synopsis Advances in the Theory of Atomic and Molecular Systems by : Piotr Piecuch

Download or read book Advances in the Theory of Atomic and Molecular Systems written by Piotr Piecuch and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2009-09-30 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Advances in the Theory of Atomic and Molecular Systems, is a collection of contributions presenting recent theoretical and computational developments that provide new insights into the structure, properties, and behavior of a variety of atomic and molecular systems. This volume (subtitled: Conceptual and Computational Advances in Quantum Chemistry) focuses on electronic structure theory and its foundations. This volume is an invaluable resource for faculty, graduate students, and researchers interested in theoretical and computational chemistry and physics, physical chemistry and chemical physics, molecular spectroscopy, and related areas of science and engineering.

Quantum Systems in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

Quantum Systems in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

Author: Alia Tadjer

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-05-30

Total Pages: 449

ISBN-13: 3319502557

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This book reviews the most significant developments in quantum methodology applied to a broad variety of problems in chemistry, physics, and biology. In particular, it discusses atomic and molecular structure, dynamics and spectroscopy as well as applications of quantum theory to biological and condensed matter systems. The volume contains twenty-four selected, peer-reviewed contributions based on the presentations given at the Twentieth International Workshop on Quantum Systems in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology (QSCP-XX), held in Varna, Bulgaria, in September 2015. It is divided into five sections containing the most relevant papers written by leading experts in the fields. This book will appeal to advanced graduate students, researchers, and academics involved in theoretical, quantum or statistical and computational chemical physics and physical chemistry.


Book Synopsis Quantum Systems in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology by : Alia Tadjer

Download or read book Quantum Systems in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology written by Alia Tadjer and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-05-30 with total page 449 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book reviews the most significant developments in quantum methodology applied to a broad variety of problems in chemistry, physics, and biology. In particular, it discusses atomic and molecular structure, dynamics and spectroscopy as well as applications of quantum theory to biological and condensed matter systems. The volume contains twenty-four selected, peer-reviewed contributions based on the presentations given at the Twentieth International Workshop on Quantum Systems in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology (QSCP-XX), held in Varna, Bulgaria, in September 2015. It is divided into five sections containing the most relevant papers written by leading experts in the fields. This book will appeal to advanced graduate students, researchers, and academics involved in theoretical, quantum or statistical and computational chemical physics and physical chemistry.