Top-down causation regarding the chemistry–physics interface: a sceptical view

Author:

Scerri Eric R.1

Affiliation:

1. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

Abstract

This article examines two influential authors who have addressed the interface between the fields of chemistry and physics and have reached opposite conclusions about whether or not emergence and downward causation represent genuine phenomena. While McLaughlin concludes that emergence is impossible in the light of quantum mechanics, Hendry regards issues connected with the status of molecular structure as supporting emergence. The present author suggests that one should not be persuaded by either of these arguments and pleads for a form of agnosticism over the reality of emergence and downward causation until further studies might be carried out.

Publisher

The Royal Society

Subject

Biomedical Engineering,Biomaterials,Biochemistry,Bioengineering,Biophysics,Biotechnology

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1. A Commentary on Robin Hendry’s Views on Molecular Structure, Emergence and Chemical Bonding;History, Philosophy and Theory of the Life Sciences;2023-12-13

2. Chemical reduction and quantum interpretation: A case for thomistic emergence;Foundations of Chemistry;2023-08-26

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5. Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure;Philosophical Perspectives in Quantum Chemistry;2022

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