Philosophy of Chemistry

This book, Philosophy of Chemistry, is dedicated to some of the general principles of philosophy of chemistry, the special branch of philosophy of science. Since the work is a collection of lectures that the Author gave at the University of Zagreb (Croatia) during the period of twenty years, the book could serve also as a university textbook in philosophy of chemistry.

Philosophy of chemistry is represented through the discussion about some of the general philosophical problems such as, theory of complexity, autonomy of sciences, epistemology, falsificationism, emergence and unity of science, holism and reductionism, the problem of identity, and hierarchical structures, as well as the teleological aspects of science.

The work consists from thirteen chapters where the main science-philosophical problems are represented and discussed within the historical context of the development of chemistry as a science. The book is aimed at wider academic audience interesting in the philosophy of science, and especially at university students of life sciences.

Hrvoj B. J. Vančik (Varazdin, Croatia, 1952) is professor of chemistry at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Croatia. His scientific activity comprises the study of organic reaction mechanisms, especially thermally induced reactions in solid-state. Most of his work belongs to the field of vibrational structures of carbocations and solid-state reactions of nitroso and polynitroso compounds. His work in philosophy of science is focused on the theory of complexity in chemistry.