Foresight, Unpredictability & Chance in Chemistry & Cognate Subjects

Bibliographic Data

ID9684772
AuthorsJohn Meurig Thomas (0000-0003-1147-8838, British Academy, corresponding author)
Year2014
Volume143
Issue4
Pages21-30
Publication date2014-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDaedalus (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0011-5266 • E-ISSN: 1548-6192
PublisherMIT Press - Journals (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1162/daed_a_00302
OpenAlexW2124377827
LanguageEN
References cited2

In numerous branches of natural philosophy, the ways in which major, transformative advances are achieved are often cloaked in mystery, or arrived at through a fortunate concatenation of circumstances. This theme is pursued here with the aid of some examples from my own work on catalysis (the speeding up of the attainment of chemical equilibria), as well as from the work of others. The emergence of the maser (forerunner of the laser), the development of positron emission tomography, and the creation of blood-glucose sensors for use by those suffering from type 2 diabetes are among the innovations adumbrated here. In addition to describing the unpredictable nature of much scientific discovery, I also describe areas in which new chemical technology will be especially beneficial to society. I foresee that openstructure solid catalysts are likely to transform many of the ways in which chemicals, now manufactured in an environmentally harmful manner, will be produced in the future. Also outlined is the vital need to understand and exploit photocatalysts so as to harness solar energy. Finally, I touch upon the absolute value of chemistry in the quest for beauty and truth

Beauty · Engineering ethics · Environmental ethics · Epistemology · Futures studies · Nanotechnology · Physics · Sociology · Theme (computing · Value (mathematics · Work (physics · Artificial Intelligence · Chemistry · Computer Science · Engineering · History and advancements in chemistry · Philosophy

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