PhilSci Archive

Teleofunction in the Service of Computational Individuation

Fresco, Nir and Artiga, Marc and Wolf, Marty J. (2024) Teleofunction in the Service of Computational Individuation. [Preprint]

[img]
Preview
Text
PrePrint-Function-in-the-Service-of Comp-Indiv.pdf

Download (705kB) | Preview

Abstract

One type of computational indeterminacy arises from partitioning a system’s physical state space into state types that correspond to the abstract state types underlying the computation concerned. The mechanistic individuative strategy posits that computation can be uniquely identified through either narrow physical properties exclusively or wide, proximal properties. The semantic strategy posits that computation should be uniquely identified through semantic properties. We develop, and defend, an alternative functional individuative strategy that appeals—when needed—to wide, distal functions. We claim that there is no actual computation outside of a functional context. Desiderata for the underlying notion of teleofunction are discussed.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Fresco, Nirnfresco@bgu.ac.il0000-0002-7182-9727
Artiga, Marcmarc.artiga@uv.es0000-0003-1247-2809
Wolf, Marty J.martyjwolf@gmail.com
Additional Information: Accepted for Publication in Philosophy of Science
Keywords: Computation; Individuation; Computational indeterminacy; Teleological function; Tri-stable computing systems
Subjects: General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
Specific Sciences > Biology > Function/Teleology
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science > Computation
Specific Sciences > Computation/Information
General Issues > Philosophers of Science
Depositing User: Nir Fresco
Date Deposited: 20 Jul 2024 10:02
Last Modified: 20 Jul 2024 10:02
Item ID: 23713
Subjects: General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
Specific Sciences > Biology > Function/Teleology
Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science > Computation
Specific Sciences > Computation/Information
General Issues > Philosophers of Science
Date: July 2024
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23713

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item