Martín Labarca

Irreversibilidad y pluralismo ontológico

The problem of irreversibility finds its roots at the end of 19th century and the beginning of 20th century with the works of Maxwell, Boltzmann and Gibbs. The controversy arises when trying to make compatible the irreversible macroscopic evolution of thermodynamics systems with t-invariant dynamics of its microscopic components. In the traditional approach of statistical mechanics, the irreversible evolution is explained by introducing a coarse grain on the underlying microscopic dynamics. For this reason, it is generally accepted that statistical mechanics offers a subjective description of irreversibility. The purpose of this work is to reject the traditional approaches of the problem by stressing that its only foundation is the implicit adoption of metaphysical realism that adjudges ontological priority to the microscopic world. We will argue that the problem can be addressed on the basis of an ontological pluralism of kantian roots, inspired by Putnams internalist realism. From this philosophical framework, macroscopic irreversibility is an objective property that has not need to be explained in microscopic terms to acquire ontological legitimacy: the coarse grain is the relationship between two equally objective descriptions.

Una reconceptualización del concepto de elemento como base para una nueva representación del sistema periódico

A reconceptualization of the concept of element as the basis for a new representation of the periodic system The aim of this paper is to propose a new conceptualization of the term ‘element’ as the basis for a new representation of the periodic system. For this purpose we begin by recalling the dual sense of the concept of element. Next, we develop the ‘limits isotopes’ argument which is the basis of the new periodic chart. This task leads us both to reconceptualize the notion of element and to characterize the term ‘basic substance’. In turn, the argument is used to face the epistemological problem with hydrogen and helium in the periodic table. Finally, the Dobereiner’s triads are used to calculate atomic masses in three periodic charts: the medium-long-form, the modified ‘left-step’ proposed by Scerri, and the proposed in this work. Evaluation results allows us to stand out the fruitful predictive power of our periodic system.

Química e filosofia: rumo a uma frutífera colaboração

This review seeks to present a brief history of the philosophy of chemistry and the major issues discussed in the framework of this emerging discipline of philosophy of science, such as the question of physicalist reductionism and physical and chemical causality. In this vein, it also addresses the current debate over relevant issues of chemical world such as atomic orbitals, molecular structure, chemical bonding, models and explanations, as well as the foundations of the periodic table. Finally, the importance of the link between the philosophy of chemistry and chemistry education is analyzed, especially in relation to teacher training.