Open AccessTop-down causation regarding the chemistry–physics interface: a sceptical view
Author(s) -
Eric R. Scerri
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
interface focus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 2042-8901
pISSN - 2042-8898
DOI - 10.1098/rsfs.2011.0061
Subject(s) - causation , agnosticism , skepticism , epistemology , interface (matter) , data science , computer science , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics , gibbs isotherm , surface tension
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.