Miller, Ryan (2023) Chemical Reduction and Quantum Interpretation: A Case for Thomistic Emergence. Foundations of Chemistry. ISSN 1386-4238

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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:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Miller, Ryan ryan.miller@unige.ch 0000-0003-0268-2570
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:	31 Aug 2023 15:56
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 15:56
Item ID:	22473
Journal or Publication Title:	Foundations of Chemistry
Publisher:	Springer
Official URL:	https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10698-0...
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
ISSN:	1386-4238
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/22473

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• Chemical Reduction and Quantum Interpretation: A Case for Thomistic Emergence. (deposited 16 Aug 2023 14:08)
  • Chemical Reduction and Quantum Interpretation: A Case for Thomistic Emergence. (deposited 31 Aug 2023 15:56) [Currently Displayed]

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