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Chemical Reduction and Quantum Interpretation: A Case for Thomistic Emergence

Miller, Ryan (2023) Chemical Reduction and Quantum Interpretation: A Case for Thomistic Emergence. [Preprint]

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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.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Miller, Ryanryan.miller@unige.ch0000-0003-0268-2570
Keywords: reduction, emergence, interpretation of quantum mechanics, actually present elements, many worlds, pilot waves, objective collapse, Everett, Bohm, GRW
Subjects: General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
Specific Sciences > Chemistry
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Depositing User: Ryan Miller
Date Deposited: 16 Aug 2023 14:08
Last Modified: 16 Aug 2023 14:08
Item ID: 22417
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1007/s10698-023-09479-6
Subjects: General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
Specific Sciences > Chemistry
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Date: 2023
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/22417

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