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Chemical elements and the problem of universals

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Abstract

In this paper, I explore a seldom-recognized connection between the ontology of abstract objects and a current issue in the philosophy of chemistry. Specifically, I argue that realism with regard to universals implies a view of chemical elements similar to F.A. Paneth’s thesis about the dual nature of the concept of element.

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Acknowledgments

I wish to thank Dr. Eric Scerri for introducing me to Paneth’s work, and for making valuable suggestions that influenced the evolution and fate of this paper. Also, I wish to thank the anonymous referees for suggestions that led to the improvement of the paper.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    M. F. Sharlow

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  1. M. F. Sharlow
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Correspondence to M. F. Sharlow.

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Sharlow, M.F. Chemical elements and the problem of universals. Found Chem 8, 225–242 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10698-006-9016-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10698-006-9016-8

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