共振论争论的科学之维

The Scientific Dimension on the Theory of Resonance Controversies

共振论是鲍林将量子力学引入化学所做的最根本贡献,它在科学和非科学界遭遇持久争论。共振论批判的意识形态特点多受到关注,其在科学领域的影响被忽略。本文分析了鲍林引入共振论并介绍给化学家的方式,探析了共振论在科学界引起争论、以及争论之后成为化学领域基础概念的原因,并考察了中国科学家在科学层面应对共振论争论的模式。研究发现:共振论以非数学方式沟通量子力学与化学,用化学家熟悉的概念和方式去描述新概念,以及有机化学的学科特征中的结构和分子的图形符号表征,为量子化学这门亚学科的自主性提供了张力;通过对结构和价键进行分离的方法解决本体论问题,保留价键理论的化学本质,是争论后共振论被广泛接受的原因。

The principle contribution of quantum mechanics to chemistry for Linus Pauling is the concept of resonance,which increased great controversies both in scientific and non- scientific community. The previous studies focused mostly on the ideological feature of the controversies. This paper examines the way Pauling introduced the theory of resonance to chemists,explores the reason of the controversies and why the concept of resonance became foundational importance in organic chemistry finally. The controversies about resonance in China are also examined. It is found that,Pauling used the non-mathematical presentation of the resonance theory and interpretation in the way that chemists familiarized with,to bridge the divide between classical and quantum chemistry. This kind of strategy caused reception as well as uncertainty of resonance theory. Structural formulas and diagrams embodied in the theory of organic chemistry and the preservation of classical valence concept ensured the autonomy of chemistry,with which the controversies was resolved as well as the ontological shifts.