This anthology investigates the foundational question of whether chemistry possesses a distinct philosophical identity separate from physics and biology. The editors, Nalini Bhushan and Stuart Rosenfeld, curate a collection of essays from both practicing chemists and professional philosophers to establish a rigorous framework for this emerging discipline. By examining the conceptual underpinnings of chemical practice, the authors argue for the necessity of a dedicated philosophical inquiry into the nature of molecular science.

Experts identify this work as a foundational text that successfully bridges the gap between laboratory practice and abstract philosophical inquiry. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a primary resource for scholars interested in the philosophy of science.