An Empirical View of the Teaching of the Chemical Element Concept

López-Valentín, Dulce María

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-74036-2_16

Cited by 1 publication

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“…[29] The concept of 'element' is probably the paradigmatic case of alternative conceptions in chemistry due to its relevance. [30,31,32] In the light of this apparent dilemma, some authors suggested that the conception of 'element' in terms of Lavoisier should be considered as purely historical [33,34] whereas Ghibaudi et al [29] state that it is necessary to take a stand between the two definitions bearing in mind the progress of chemistry. But in another such textbook an element is conceptualized as: "[…] the simplest type of matter with unique physical and chemical properties.…”

Section: The Teaching Of the Concept 'Chemical Element': Building Bri...mentioning

confidence: 99%

For a Dialogue Between the Teaching of Chemistry and the History and Philosophy of Chemistry: the Case of the Concept of ‘Chemical Element’

Mocellin,

Labarca

2024

Substantia

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The concept of ‘element’ is one of the most important concepts in the chemical sciences. It plays a key role to explain the chemical reactions and the basis of the periodic table. It is also central to the modern philosophy of chemistry because of its role in discussions about the nature of the periodic system and natural classes. In the field of chemistry teaching it is a paradigmatic case of alternative conceptions. In general, two definitions of ‘chemical element’ coexist. The first, due to Lavoisier, conceptualizes an ‘element’ in a macroscopic ontology and the second, usually considered the ‘modern’ definition, conceptualizes an element in an ontology of particle. Some authors state that it is time to consider the former conceptualization as merely ‘historical’ and focus teaching on the basis of the most recent definition. The present paper aims to address this problem from a pluralist perspective by highlighting the pedagogical relevance of incorporating historical-philosophical analyses in the explanation of scientific concepts.

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