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Mixed-Effects Modeling and Non-Reductive Explanation

Fang, Wei (2019) Mixed-Effects Modeling and Non-Reductive Explanation. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This essay considers a mixed-effects modeling practice and its implications for the philosophical debate surrounding reductive explanation. Mixed-effects modeling is a species of the multilevel modeling practice, where a single model incorporates simultaneously two (or even more) levels of explanatory variables to explain a phenomenon of interest. I argue that this practice makes the position of explanatory reductionism held by many philosophers untenable, because it violates two central tenets of explanatory reductionism: single level preference and lower-level obsession.

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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Fang, Weiwesleyfang@tongji.edu.cn
Keywords: mixed-effects models; multilevel modeling; non-reductive explanation; scientific explanation
Subjects: General Issues > Explanation
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Depositing User: Dr. Wei Fang
Date Deposited: 08 May 2024 18:46
Last Modified: 08 May 2024 18:46
Item ID: 23385
DOI or Unique Handle: https://doi.org/10.1086/705449
Subjects: General Issues > Explanation
General Issues > Models and Idealization
Date: December 2019
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23385

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