We live in an increasingly polarized society. Everything seems hyper polarized: republicans vs democrats, liberals vs conservatives. "us" against "them". Holding unflinchingly to a set of beliefs despite evidence to the contrary is often seen as a strength in many parts of our social society. And yet the scientific method and the ability to evolve from belief to theory to fact is the hallmark of chemistry. At the same time, we see our fellow nonscience citizens becoming more skeptical of science.  Interestingly, the science of chemistry has evolved over the past two centuries to quantitatively value the superimposition of varied states. We do not look at the structure of benzene and suggest that one pattern of alternating double bonds is preferable over another: Resonance theory suggest that both states are simultaneously valid. We do not look at various forms of acetylacetone and discuss which form is correct: Tautomerization suggests that each form is simultaneously valid. We do not look at the three p atomic orbitals as somehow different prior to filling them with electrons: The Aufbau principle tells us they are equivalent. As we examine the role of chemists as citizens, there is much we should learn from the greater society we are all part of. But perhaps there is also something deeper we have to offer by taking a closer look at our science through a “societal” lens.

Chemical epistemology: Understanding why people think the way they think as the first step towards a sustainable future

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.