Conservative Reductionism

Conservative Reductionism sets out a new theory of the relationship between physics and the special sciences within the framework of functionalism. It argues that it is wrong-headed to conceive an opposition between functional and physical properties (or functional and physical descriptions, respectively) and to build an anti-reductionist argument on multiple realization. By contrast, (a) all properties that there are in the world, including the physical ones, are functional properties in the sense of being causal properties, and (b) all true descriptions (laws, theories) that the special sciences propose can in principle be reduced to physical descriptions (laws, theories) by means of functional reduction, despite multiple realization. The book develops arguments for (a) from the metaphysics of properties and the philosophy of physics. These arguments lead to a conservative ontological reductionism. It then develops functional reduction into a fully-fledged, conservative theory reduction by means of introducing functional sub-types that are coextensive with physical types, illustrating that conservative reductionism by means of case studies from biology (notably the relationship between classical and molecular genetics).

1128486562
Conservative Reductionism

Conservative Reductionism sets out a new theory of the relationship between physics and the special sciences within the framework of functionalism. It argues that it is wrong-headed to conceive an opposition between functional and physical properties (or functional and physical descriptions, respectively) and to build an anti-reductionist argument on multiple realization. By contrast, (a) all properties that there are in the world, including the physical ones, are functional properties in the sense of being causal properties, and (b) all true descriptions (laws, theories) that the special sciences propose can in principle be reduced to physical descriptions (laws, theories) by means of functional reduction, despite multiple realization. The book develops arguments for (a) from the metaphysics of properties and the philosophy of physics. These arguments lead to a conservative ontological reductionism. It then develops functional reduction into a fully-fledged, conservative theory reduction by means of introducing functional sub-types that are coextensive with physical types, illustrating that conservative reductionism by means of case studies from biology (notably the relationship between classical and molecular genetics).

47.99 In Stock
Conservative Reductionism

Conservative Reductionism

Conservative Reductionism

Conservative Reductionism

eBook

$47.99  $63.99 Save 25% Current price is $47.99, Original price is $63.99. You Save 25%.

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers


Overview

Conservative Reductionism sets out a new theory of the relationship between physics and the special sciences within the framework of functionalism. It argues that it is wrong-headed to conceive an opposition between functional and physical properties (or functional and physical descriptions, respectively) and to build an anti-reductionist argument on multiple realization. By contrast, (a) all properties that there are in the world, including the physical ones, are functional properties in the sense of being causal properties, and (b) all true descriptions (laws, theories) that the special sciences propose can in principle be reduced to physical descriptions (laws, theories) by means of functional reduction, despite multiple realization. The book develops arguments for (a) from the metaphysics of properties and the philosophy of physics. These arguments lead to a conservative ontological reductionism. It then develops functional reduction into a fully-fledged, conservative theory reduction by means of introducing functional sub-types that are coextensive with physical types, illustrating that conservative reductionism by means of case studies from biology (notably the relationship between classical and molecular genetics).


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781136728495
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication date: 05/09/2011
Series: Routledge Studies in the Philosophy of Science
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 212
File size: 1 MB

About the Author

Michael Esfeld is Professor of Philosophy of Science at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. His research interests include the metaphysics of science, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of physics.

Christian Sachse is Senior Lecturer in history and philosophy of science at the University of Lausanne. His research interests include the metaphysics of science, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of biology.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1.The Dilemma of Functionalism 2. The Metaphysics of Causal Structures 3. The Theory of Evolution and Causal Structures in Biology 4. Case Study: Classical and Molecular Genetics 5. Conservative Functional Reduction Conclusion

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews