Huggett, Nick and Ladyman, James and Thebault, Karim P Y (2026) On the Quantum Theory of Molecules: Rigour, Idealization, and Uncertainty. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Philosophers have claimed that: (a) Born-Oppenheimer approximation methods for solving molecular Schrödinger equations violate the Heisenberg uncertainty relations; therefore, (b) `quantum chemistry' is not fully quantum; and (c) therefore chemistry does not reduce to physics. This paper analyses the reasoning behind Born-Oppenheimer methods and shows that they are internally consistent and fully quantum mechanical, contrary to (a)-(c). Our analysis addresses important issues of mathematical rigour, physical idealization, reduction, and classicality in the quantum theory of molecules, and we propose an agenda for the philosophy of quantum chemistry more grounded in scientific practice.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Huggett, Nick Ladyman, James Thebault, Karim P Y karim.thebault@gmail.com
Additional Information:	Forthcoming in Philosophy of Science
Keywords:	quantum chemistry; idealization; reduction; rigour
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Depositing User:	Dr Karim Thebault
Date Deposited:	07 Apr 2026 12:39
Last Modified:	07 Apr 2026 12:39
Item ID:	28947
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Date:	7 April 2026
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/28947

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• On the Quantum Theory of Molecules: Rigour, Idealization, and Uncertainty. (deposited 10 Oct 2024 11:49)
  • On the Quantum Theory of Molecules: Rigour, Idealization, and Uncertainty. (deposited 04 Nov 2024 13:00)
    • On the Quantum Theory of Molecules: Rigour, Idealization, and Uncertainty. (deposited 07 Apr 2026 12:39) [Currently Displayed]

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