Garson, Justin (2016) A generalized selected effects theory of function. [Preprint]

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Abstract

I present and defend the generalized selected effects theory (GSE) of function.
According to GSE, the function of a trait consists in the activity that contributed to its bearer’s differential reproduction, or differential retention, within a population. Unlike the traditional selected effects (SE) theory, it does not require that the functional trait helped its bearer reproduce; differential retention is enough. Although the core theory has been presented previously, I go significantly beyond those presentations by providing a new argument for GSE and defending it from a recent objection. I also sketch its implications for teleosemantics and philosophy of medicine.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Garson, Justin
Additional Information:	Forthcoming, Philosophy of Science
Keywords:	Philosophy of biology; biological functions; selected effects; teleosemantics; philosophy of medicine.
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory Specific Sciences > Biology > Function/Teleology Specific Sciences > Neuroscience
Depositing User:	Dr. Justin Garson
Date Deposited:	19 Oct 2016 22:58
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2016 22:58
Item ID:	12493
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory Specific Sciences > Biology > Function/Teleology Specific Sciences > Neuroscience
Date:	19 October 2016
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12493

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