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 | ||||||
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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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