Eric R Scerri

Eric R. Scerri, born in 1953, is a chemist, writer, and philosopher of science with Maltese heritage, currently lecturing at UCLA. He founded and edits the journal "Foundations of Chemistry," which focuses on the history, philosophy, and education of chemistry. Scerri's academic career includes degrees from several prominent UK universities, including a PhD from King's College London.

His research primarily explores the history and philosophy of chemistry, with a particular emphasis on the periodic table of the elements, its origins, and its philosophical implications. He has investigated the extent to which chemistry can be reduced to quantum mechanics and has critiqued concepts of emergence and downward causation in science. Scerri has also contributed to chemical education literature, discussing electronic structures and anomalous configurations. He participated in the 2014 PBS documentary "The Mystery of Matter."

Scerri's scholarly pursuits delve deeply into the philosophical underpinnings of chemistry, particularly concerning the reduction of chemical phenomena to quantum mechanics. A significant focus of his work is the periodic table, examining its historical development and philosophical meaning. He has also offered critiques of theories suggesting the emergence of chemical properties and the existence of "downward causation," where higher-level phenomena influence lower-level ones. His research extends to the educational aspects of chemistry, including explanations of electronic structures in transition metals and unusual electron arrangements.

Scerri has extensively researched the periodic table, recounting the discovery of elements in his book "A Tale of Seven Elements." He was appointed by IUPAC to chair a project addressing the composition of Group 3 of the periodic table, proposing a configuration that aligns with historical suggestions and theoretical physics. More recently, Scerri has put forth an evolutionary perspective on the philosophy of science. This approach utilizes case studies of less recognized scientists to illustrate a gradual, organic progression of scientific knowledge, challenging the notion of scientific revolutions while affirming that scientific progress is not directed towards an ultimate truth.