Unity of Chemistry and Physics: The Theory of Absolute Reaction Rates

Abstract

The reduction of Eyring’s theory of absolute reaction rates is an interesting case study in chemistry. The theory reduction does not rely on a single ‘reducing’ theory, but on a network of multiple connected theories, each providing a piece of the answer. This situation is fairly common in chemistry, and this chapter provides an in-depth discussion of how we might think about this state of affairs as a ‘reduction’.