Petroleum Genesis as a Problem of Transdisciplinary Research

Abstract

The problem of petroleum genesis is fundamental for natural science. Scientific discussion on the problem of petroleum genesis originated with the science of theModern time and continues to this day. Physicists, chemists, biologists, geologists, geophysicists and cosmologists take part in the discussion. The problem attracts the attention of philosophers on science in many aspects. The author believes that it is necessary to conduct research of a transdisciplinary type that combines natural science and philosophical knowledge. Transdisciplinary research allows conceptually combine different scales of vision, different languages and standards of justification for specific sciences. The prerequisite for a transdisciplinary approach on the part of natural scientists can be the synergetic setting of theoretical constructions. V.I. Vernadsky’s concept of biosphere and noosphere, which is included in the scientific picture of the world, can serve as philosophical and conceptual basis. Transdisciplinary discussion on the petroleum genesis involve the analysis of philosophical, socio-psychological and concrete scientific aspects. The author carries out the logical and methodological analysis of the hypothesis of D.I. Mendeleev. The author comes to the conclusion that the philosophical type of argumentation prevails. The basis for a new dialogue should be the subject- subject-object relationship. The principles of the philosophy of complexity can be used when discussing the problems of geoecology and specific environmental research areas.