Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2010
Abstract
In the past few hundred years, science has exerted an enormous influence on the way the world appears to human observers. Despite phenomenal accomplishments of science, science nowadays faces numerous challenges that threaten its continued success. As scientific inventions become embedded within human societies, the challenges are further multiplied. In this critical review, some of the critical challenges for the field of modern chemistry are discussed, including: (a) interlinking theoretical knowledge and experimental approaches; (b) implementing the principles of sustainability at the roots of the chemical design; (c) defining science from a philosophical perspective that acknowledges both pragmatic and realistic aspects thereof; (d) instigating interdisciplinary research; (e) learning to recognize and appreciate the aesthetic aspects of scientific knowledge and methodology, and promote truly inspiring education in chemistry. In the conclusion, I recapitulate that the evolution of human knowledge inherently depends upon our ability to adopt creative problem-solving attitudes, and that challenges will always be present within the scope of scientific interests.
Recommended Citation
Uskokovíc V. Major challenges for the modern chemistry in particular and science in general. Found Sci. 2010;15(1):303-344. doi:10.1007/s10699-010-9185-8.
Copyright
Springer
Comments
This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Foundations of Science, volume 15, issue 1, in 2010 following peer review. The final publication is available at Springer via DOI: 10.1007/s10699-010-9185-8.