Mathematization of Chemistry: From Plato’s Triangles to the Creation of Computational Chemistry
https://doi.org/10.18384/2310-7227-2023-1-86-96
Abstract
Aim. To study the historical and logical process of the mathematization of chemistry in the context of its interaction with physics, to disclose the connection of mathematics with the conceptual systems of chemistry, to study the methodological and epistemological barriers on this path.
Methodology. To study the process of chemistry mathematization with the participation of physics, methods of interaction between historical and logical are used, as well as retrospective analysis and a systematic approach.
Results. It is shown that the conceptual systems of chemistry throughout the history of interaction with mathematics and physics revealed relative isolation and independence. The relations between them were built according to the rules of coordination, which led both to their development and the emergence of new interdisciplinary and borderline fields of knowledge (computational chemistry), and to methodological difficulties (in chemistry, strict deductive systems, as in physics, there are problems of mathematical modeling and computer experiment) that prevent further chemistry mathematization.
Research implications. The results of the research contribute to the methodology and philosophy of science; methodological problems of chemistry mathematization through the mediation of physics are formulated.
About the Author
I. I. Chechetkina
Kazan National Research Technological University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Irina I. Chechetkina – Cand. Sci. (Chemistry), Assoc. Prof., Department of Philosophy and History of Science
ul. Karla Marxa 68, Kazan 420015
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