ISBN:
9789400753044
Language:
English
Pages:
Online-Ressource (VIII, 243 p. 6 illus, digital)
Series Statement:
Synthese Library, Studies in Epistemology, Logic, Methodology, and Philosophy of Science 363
Series Statement:
SpringerLink
Series Statement:
Bücher
Parallel Title:
Buchausg. u.d.T. Functions
Keywords:
Philosophy (General)
;
Neurosciences
;
Metaphysics
;
Science Philosophy
;
Evolution (Biology)
;
Anthropology
;
Philosophy
;
Philosophy (General)
;
Neurosciences
;
Metaphysics
;
Science Philosophy
;
Evolution (Biology)
;
Anthropology
;
Teleology
;
Causation
;
Aufsatzsammlung
;
Funktion
;
Wissenschaft
Abstract:
This volume handles in various perspectives the concept of function and the nature of functional explanations, topics much discussed since two major and conflicting accounts have been raised by Larry Wright and Robert Cummins’s papers in the 1970s. Here, both Wright’s ‘etiological theory of functions’ and Cummins’s ‘systemic’ conception of functions are refined and elaborated in the light of current scientific practice, with papers showing how the ‘etiological’ theory faces several objections and may in reply be revisited, while its counterpart became ever more sophisticated, as researchers discovered fresh applications for it. Relying on a firm knowledge of the original positions and debates, this volume presents cutting-edge research evincing the complexities that today pertain in function theory in various sciences. Alongside original papers from authors central to the controversy, work by emerging researchers taking novel perspectives will add to the potential avenues to be followed in the future. Not only does the book adopt no a priori assumptions about the scope of functional explanations, it also incorporates material from several very different scientific domains, e.g. neurosciences, ecology, or technology. In general, functions are implemented in mechanisms; and functional explanations in biology have often an essential relation with natural selection. These two basic claims set the stage for this book’s coverage of investigations concerning both ‘functional’ explanations, and the ‘metaphysics’ of functions. It casts new light on these claims, by testing them through their confrontation with scientific developments in biology, psychology, and recent developments concerning the metaphysics of realization. Rather than debating a single theory of functions, this book presents the richness of philosophical issues raised by functional discourse throughout the various sciences.
Description / Table of Contents:
Functions: selection and mechanisms; Acknowledgements; Contents; Introduction; 1 The Theories of Function and the Current Issues; 2 Position and Structure of This Book; 3 Contributions in Detail; References; Part I: Biological Functions and Functional Explanations: Genes, Cells, Organisms and Ecosystems - Functions, Organization and Development in Life Sciences; Evolution and the Stability of Functional Architectures; 1 A Concept of Function; 2 A General Form for Attributions of Function and Some of Its Consequences; 3 Small Mutations as the Raw Material for Changes in Functional Organization
Description / Table of Contents:
4 Generative Entrenchment and the Stability of Deep Functions5 Multiple Realization, Stability, Robustness, and Evolvability; 6 Deep Function and the Limitations of a Selectionist Account of Function; 7 Two Modes of Descriptive Abstraction for Function; 8 Conclusion; References; Mechanism, Emergence, and Miscibility: The Autonomy of Evo-Devo; 1 Mechanism; 2 Emergence; 2.1 Ontological Versus Explanatory Emergence; 2.2 Invariance and Explanation; 2.3 Completeness and Complementarity; 2.4 Autonomy; 2.5 Downward Explanation; 3 Miscibility; 4 The Autonomy of Evo-Devo
Description / Table of Contents:
4.1 Two Conceptions of Adaptive Evolution4.2 Emergent Explanation in Evo-Devo; 5 Conclusion; References; Does Oxygen Have a Function, or Where Should the Regress of Functional Ascriptions Stop in Biology?; 1 Introduction; 2 Theories of Function: Three Families; 3 Functions and Levels of Organization; 4 Can Elementary Molecules Have a Function?; 5 Organisms and Above; 6 Conclusion; References; Part II: Biological Functions and Functional Explanations: Genes, Cells, Organisms and Ecosystems - Functional Pluralism for Biologists?
Description / Table of Contents:
How Ecosystem Evolution Strengthens the Case for Functional Pluralism1 Introduction; 2 Diversity Rules; 3 Looking Ahead; 4 Conclusion; References; A General Case for Functional Pluralism; 1 Mountain Geology; 2 The Analogous Situation in Biology; 3 Form, History, and Function; 4 Conclusion; References; Weak Realism in the Etiological Theory of Functions; 1 The Etiological Theory as a Realist Theory of Functions and Its Requisites; 2 The Weaknesses of SE; 2.1 Logical-Type Problem; 2.2 Problem of the Bundle of Effects; 3 Establish and Explain Functions; 3.1 Functional Organisation Schema
Description / Table of Contents:
3.2 Design Counterfactual Analysis3.2.1 The Simple Case; 3.2.2 More Complicated Cases; 3.3 The Comparative Method; 3.4 Confronting Methods; 3.4.1 Divergent Results and Selection; 3.4.2 Etiological Theory?; 4 Conclusion; References; Part III: Psychology, Philosophy of Mind and Technology: Functions in a Man's World - Metaphysics, Function and Philosophy of Mind; Functions and Mechanisms: A Perspectivalist View; 1 Introduction; 2 What Makes a Neurotransmitter a Neurotransmitter?; 3 Mechanisms; 4 Levels of Mechanisms; 5 Explanation: The Mechanist's Stance
Description / Table of Contents:
6 Etiological Explanation and Adaptational Functions
Description / Table of Contents:
Introduction -- Section I. Biological functions and functional explanations: genes, cells, organisms and ecosystems -- Part 1.A. Functions, organization and development in life sciences -- Chapter 1. William C. Wimsatt. Evolution and the Stability of Functional Architectures -- Chapter 2. Denis M. Walsh. Teleological Emergence: The Autonomy of Evo-Devo -- Chapter 3. Jean Gayon. Does oxygen have a function, or: where should the regress of biological functions stop? -- Part 1.B. Functional pluralism for biologists? Chapter 4. Frédéric Bouchard. How ecosystem evolution strengthens the case for functional pluralism -- Chapter 5. Robert N. Brandon. A general case for functional pluralism -- Chapter 6. Philippe Huneman. Weak realism in the etiological theory of functions -- Section 2. Section II. Psychology, philosophy of mind and technology: Functions in a man’s world -- Part 2.A. 2A. Metaphysics, function and philosophy of mind -- Chapter 7. Carl Craver. Functions and Mechanisms in Contemporary Neuroscience -- Chapter 8. Carl Gillett. Understanding the sciences through the fog of ‘functionalism(s).’ -- 2.B. Philosophy of technology , design and functions -- Chapter 9. Françoise Longy. Artifacts and Organisms: A Case for a New Etiological Theory of Functions -- Chapter 10. Pieter Vermaas and Wybo Houkes. Functions as Epistemic Highlighters: An Engineering Account of Technical, Biological and Other Functions -- Epilogue -- Larry Wright. Revising teleological explanations: reflections three decades on. .
Note:
Description based upon print version of record
DOI:
10.1007/978-94-007-5304-4
URL:
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