Are Organisms Substances or Processes?

The Ontology of Organisms: Mechanistic Modules or Patterned Processes?

Though the realm of biology has long been under the philosophical rule of the mechanistic magisterium, recent years have seen a surprisingly steady rise in the usurping prowess of process ontology. According to its proponents, theoretical advances in the contemporary science of evo-devo have afforded that ontology a particularly powerful claim to the throne: in that increasingly empirically con...

Chemical “ Substances ” That Are Not “ Chemical Substances ”

The main scientific problems of chemical bonding were solved half a century ago, but adequate philosophical understanding of chemical combination is yet to be achieved. Chemists routinely use important terms (“element,” “atom,” “molecule,” “substance”) with more than one meaning. This can lead to misunderstandings. Eliminativists claim that what seems to be a baseball breaking a window is merel...

Who Are Happier, Employed Women or Housewives?

  Background and Objectives: Today, happiness and life satisfaction play a crucial role in women’s health in every society. This study was conducted to compare the level of happiness and life satisfaction between employed women and housewives and to examine the factors affecting it.   Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 720 employed women and housewives in Kerman, Iran in 20...

Phase - Change Processes of Pure Substances

Toxic Christmas and New Year Holiday Plants...or Are They?

Background: Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), holly (Ilex opaca) and mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens) adorn homes during the Christmas and New Year holiday season and create the potential for curious children to sample their colorful leaves and enticing berries. This study was aimed to review the American Association of Poison Control Centers National Poison Data System (AAPCC NPDS) to des...