Publication
Title
Are higher mechanistic levels causally autonomous?
Author
Abstract
This article provides a detailed analysis and explores the prospects of the arguments for higher-level causal autonomy available for the proponents of the mechanistic framework. Three different arguments (context based, organization based, and constraint based) are distinguished. After clarifying previously raised worries with regard to the first two arguments, the article focuses on the newest version of the third argument that has recently been revived by William Bechtel. By using Bechtel's own case study, it is shown that not even reference to constraints can establish the causal autonomy of higher mechanistic levels.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Philosophy of science : journal of the Philosophy of Science Association. - East Lansing, Mich., 1934, currens
Publication
East Lansing, Mich. : 2019
ISSN
0031-8248
1539-767X [e-ISSN]
DOI
10.1086/705450
Volume/pages
86 :5 (2019) , p. 847-857
ISI
000502315900004
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 08.01.2020
Last edited 02.10.2024
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