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Mechanisms, good and bad

Kincaid, Harold (2021) Mechanisms, good and bad. THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science, 36 (2). pp. 173-189. ISSN 2171-679X

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Abstract

The claim that mechanisms are essential good science is widespread. I argue, however, that these claims are ambiguous in multiple ways. I sort out different version of the mechanism idea: (1) mechanisms that are horizontal —between cause and effect— and mechanisms that are vertical —they realize in lower-level terms causal properties—: and (2) different purposes or uses mechanisms may have. I then focus on the claim that various senses of mechanism are necessary for the confirmation of cau-sal claims. The paper shows that mechanisms can be useful, essential, or harmful depending on context, using the now standard graphical causal structure framework. These conclusions also support the larger philosophy of science moral that methodological norms in science are often context specific and empiri-cal, not a priori and universal.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Kincaid, HaroldHarold.kincaid@uct.ac.za0000-0001-5032-815X
Additional Information: ISSN: 0495-4548 (print)
Keywords: mechanisms; causation; causal mediation; scientific norms.
Subjects: General Issues > Causation
General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
General Issues > Evidence
General Issues > Explanation
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email theoria@ehu.es
Date Deposited: 03 Jun 2021 14:13
Last Modified: 03 Jun 2021 14:13
Item ID: 19137
Journal or Publication Title: THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science
Publisher: Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / Universidad del País Vasco
Official URL: https://ojs.ehu.eus/index.php/THEORIA/article/view...
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1387/theoria.21757
Subjects: General Issues > Causation
General Issues > Confirmation/Induction
General Issues > Evidence
General Issues > Explanation
Date: May 2021
Page Range: pp. 173-189
Volume: 36
Number: 2
ISSN: 2171-679X
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/19137

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