Before We Start

So obviously, the question posted earlier (whether chemistry is discovered or created) is much more complicated than a simple yes or no question. To even begin to answer this, we need to explore and sort through numerous branches of chemistry-- both deeply and carefully. But first, and perhaps most importantly, we need to clarify what we specifically mean when we say that something is "created" or "destroyed."  

In general, dictionary.com provides the following definitions:

Discover: gain sight or knowledge of (something previously unseen or unknown)

Create: to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes.

Basically, the distinction lies in the fact that creation revolves around the formation of previously nonexistent materials or ideas by humans and our invented "processes," while discovery relies more broadly on finding unknown substances or concepts. We will discuss the context of chemistry around these definitions, at least for now.


Just as importantly, we need to establish why this distinction even matters, in a practical sense. You might be asking yourself, "Does the difference significantly and tangibly affect applications of chemistry in our world?" And the answer is yes, beyond doubt.

The ethical dilemmas that the question of discovery or creation can prove to be vital in the realm of chemistry. By differentiating and classifying different aspects of chemistry under the two categories, we protect ourselves from the arrogant delusions that humans are the creators and the centers of the world (which result in major blockades to scientific advancements); we must prevent the scene that philosopher Immanuel Kant described as the current, disappointing actions of humankind: "Our intellect does not draw its laws from nature but imposes its laws upon nature." At the same time, we realize through such discussions the purpose of chemistry-- to study the "discovered" and balance them with our own "creations" in order to behoove the welfare of all life. 

With this in mind, we begin our journey on the synthesis of symmetry-- discovered or created