In hmolscience, Todd P. Silverstein (c.1954-) is an American chemistry professor noted, in human thermodynamics, for his 2006 defense of the use of chemical thermodynamics to explain the human condition, e.g. terrorism concerns.

Overview
In 2006, Silverstein, in his Rossini debate response letter “State Functions vs State Governments”, defended the use of chemical thermodynamics to explain or study human freedom and security as outlined by Frederick Rossini's 1971 “Chemical Thermodynamics in the Real” Priestley Medal address. [1] In response to objections regarding this application, by American chemist John Wojcik, Silverstein’s states that:

“I do not agree that such ‘loose thinking’ should be ‘purged’ from science altogether.”

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Education
Silverstein completed his BA at Brandeis University and MS and PhD, with a 1984 dissertation on “Conformation of Rhodopsin near Reactive Sulfhydryl Groups: Probed by Spin Labeling and Spin Exchange Techniques”, at the University of California, Berkeley. [2] Silverstein currently is a professor of chemistry at Willamette University, Salem, Oregon. [3]

References
1. (a) Thims, Libb. (2007). Human Chemistry (Volume Two), (section: Rossini’s political thermodynamics, pgs. 679-88). (preview). Morrisville, NC: LuLu.
(b) Leonard, Harold, E. (2006). “Chemical Thermodynamics in the Real World.” (PDF) Letters, Journal of Chemical Education, (83) 39, Jan, No. 1. pg. 39.
(c) Wójcik, John F. (2006). ‘A Response to Chemical Thermodynamics in the Real World.’ (PDF) J. Chem. Educ. (83) 39.
(d) Silverstein, Todd, P. (2006). “State Functions vs. State Governments”, Journal of Chemical Education, Jun. (83): 847, Letters.
2. Silverstein, Todd Philip. (1984). “Conformation of Rhodopsin near Reactive Sulfhydryl Groups: Probed by Spin Labeling and Spin Exchange Techniques”, Thesis/disseration.
3. Todd P. Silverstein (faculty) – Willamette University.