The Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules and Its Role in the Reduction of Chemistry to Physics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48160/18532330me9.230Keywords:
Bohmian mechanics, quantum theory of atoms in molecules, chemistry, physics, reductionAbstract
The problem of reduction between chemistry and physics has been addressed mainly through standard quantum mechanics and classical structural chemistry. In this work, we will study it from the perspective of an alternative theory to standard quantum, Bohmian mechanics and Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) proposed by Bader. The purpose of this article is to unveil the role of QTAIM in the inter-theoretical relations between chemistry and physics. We argue that although QTAIM solve two obstacles by providing a rigorous definition of chemical bond and atoms in a molecule, the theory uses classical concepts unacceptable in the quantum mechanical context. Therefore, it fails to achieve reduction. On the other hand, we will show that the TCAEM is more similar to the Bohmian mechanics and the basic elements of both theories are related.
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