How Properties Hold Together in Substances

A main aim of chemical research is to understand how the characteristic properties of specific chemical substances relate to the composition and to the structure of those materials. Each year, thousands of chemical publications report how use of complex techniques and sophisticated theories contribute to that objective. All this work assumes a broad consensus regarding basic aspects of chemistry. Philosophers also consider properties of materials, using subtle technical concepts and sophisticated theoretical approaches—but since their main aim is to clarify fundamental concepts, philosophers generally regard widespread agreement on basic principles as a remote goal, not something already achieved. For instance, philosophers do not agree on how it is that properties stay together in ordinary objects.