Franklin, Alexander (2019) Can Multiple Realisation Be Explained? [Preprint]

Preview

Text Franklin_Multiple_Realisation_Explained.pdf Download (149kB) | Preview

Abstract

Multiple realisation prompts the question: how is it that multiple systems all exhibit the same phenomena despite their different underlying properties? In this paper I develop a framework for addressing that question and argue that multiple realisation can be reductively explained. I defend this position by applying the framework to a simple example – the multiple realisation of electrical conductors. I go on to compare my position to views advocated in Polger & Shapiro (2016), Batterman (2018), and Sober (1999). Contra these respective authors I claim that multiple realisation is commonplace, that it can be explained, but that it requires a sui generis reductive explanatory strategy. As such, multiple realisation poses a non-trivial challenge to reduction which can, nonetheless, be met.

---

Export/Citation:

EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL

Social Networking:

Share |

---

Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Franklin, Alexander alexrfranklin@gmail.com 0000-0001-6034-4575
Keywords:	Multiple realizability, multiple realization, autonomy, emergence, reduction
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Depositing User:	Dr Alexander Franklin
Date Deposited:	13 Jul 2019 15:04
Last Modified:	13 Jul 2019 15:04
Item ID:	16215
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Date:	12 July 2019
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/16215

Available Versions of this Item

• Can Multiple Realisation Be Explained? (deposited 13 Jul 2019 15:04) [Currently Displayed]
  • Can Multiple Realisation be Explained? (deposited 14 Sep 2020 14:34)

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item