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Chemical substances and intensive properties
1Department of Philosophy, University of Stockholm, Sweden. paul.needham@philosophy.su.se
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 11, 2003
Summary
This study explores the concept of chemical substance, emphasizing macroscopic properties over molecular structure. It highlights intensive properties and mereology for defining substances autonomously from reductionist views.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Chemistry
- Chemical Ontology
Background:
- Macroscopic concepts of matter remain relevant in chemical theorizing despite the rise of molecular structure.
- Recent philosophy of chemistry critiques reductionism, prompting a re-evaluation of macroscopic ontology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To autonomously treat the concept of chemical substance.
- To characterize chemical substance by contrasting it with phases and solutions.
- To introduce intensive properties as key to defining substance based on mereology.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of chemical ontology.
- Distinguishing chemical substance from phases and solutions.
- Defining substance properties through intensive properties and mereological structure.
Main Results:
- Chemical substance can be defined autonomously from molecular structure.
- Intensive properties are central to the definition of chemical substance.
- Mereological structure provides a basis for understanding substance properties.
Conclusions:
- Macroscopic concepts, like chemical substance, warrant autonomous treatment in philosophy of chemistry.
- The concept of intensive property, linked to mereology, offers a robust framework for understanding chemical substance.