New directions in the philosophy of biology
a new taxonomy of functions
pp. 235-251
Abstrakt
In this paper, I present a new "taxonomy of functions' that reviews the different theories on functional explanations which can be found in the current debate in philosophy of biology. I begin by presenting a critical survey of the classical ways of interpreting the notion of function (the "causal-role" and the "evolutionary" approaches) under the light of the current theoretical proposals. I then analyze the major novelty in the philosophical discussion on functions: the Organizational Approach. According to organizational theories, a function is a disposition of a particular current biological trait that has explanatory relevance with regard to the presence of the function-bearing trait. The organizational account claims that a functional effect can be understood as a "condition of existence" of that very trait (without appealing to evolutionary history) to the extent that it is a necessary condition for the process of biological self-maintenance of the organism.
Publication details
Published in:
Dieks Dennis, Hartmann Stephan, Uebel Thomas, Weber Marcel, Galavotti Maria Carla (2014) New directions in the philosophy of science. Dordrecht, Springer.
Seiten: 235-251
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-04382-1_16
Referenz:
Saborido Cristian (2014) „New directions in the philosophy of biology: a new taxonomy of functions“, In: D. Dieks, S. Hartmann, T. Uebel, M. Weber & M. Galavotti (eds.), New directions in the philosophy of science, Dordrecht, Springer, 235–251.