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Jaap van Brakel

Jaap van Brakel is a philosopher who focuses on the philosophy of chemistry and the nature of scientific knowledge. He explores how chemistry differs from other sciences, such as physics, especially regarding the concepts of chemical substances, reactions, and processes. Van Brakel examines how our understanding of these elements contributes to broader philosophical questions about reality, explanation, and scientific practice. His work aims to clarify the foundational issues in chemistry and how they relate to the philosophy of science as a whole, emphasizing the unique aspects and implications of chemical knowledge.