Single Idea 17484

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / a. Scientific essentialism]

Full Idea

Some deny that that microstructure is what makes it water; substance identity and difference should be determined instead by macroscopic similarities and differences.

Gist of Idea

Maybe the nature of water is macroscopic, and not in the microstructure

Source

Robin F. Hendry (Chemistry [2008], 'Micro')

Book Reference

'Routledge Companion to Philosophy of Science', ed/tr. Psillos,S/Curd,M [Routledge 2010], p.524


A Reaction

Very plausible. Is the essential nature of human beings to be found in the structure of our cells?

Related Idea

Idea 17485 Maybe water is the smallest part of it that still counts as water (which is H2O molecules) [Hendry]