%0 Journal Article
%T Symmetry and Complexity - Fundamental Concepts of Research in Chemistry
%A Klaus Mainzer
%J Hyle : International Journal for Philosophy of Chemistry
%D 1997
%I HYLE Publications, Karlsruhe and University of Karlsruhe
%X Molecules have more or less symmetric and complex structures which can be defined in the mathematical framework of topology, group theory, dynamical systems theory, and quantum mechanics. But symmetry and complexity are by no means only theoretical concepts of research. Modern computer aided visualizations show real forms of matter which nevertheless depend on the technical standards of observation, computation, and representation. Furthermore, symmetry and complexity are fundamental interdisciplinary concepts of research inspiring the natural sciences since the antiquity.
%K philosophy of chemistry
%K molecular structure
%K symmetry
%K symmetry breaking
%K complexity
%K nonlinearity
%U http://www.hyle.org/journal/issues/3/mainzer.pdf