Fang, Wei (2020) Multiple Realization in Systems Biology. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Polger and Shapiro (2016) claim that unlike human-made artifacts cases of multiple realization in naturally occurring systems are uncommon. Drawing on cases from systems biology, I argue that multiple realization in naturally occurring systems is not as uncommon as Polger and Shapiro initially thought. The relevant cases, which I draw from systems biology, involve generalizable design principles called network motifs which recur in different organisms and species and perform specific functions. I show that network motifs with entirely different underlying causal structures can perform the same function of interest. The article also considers the scope problem of multiple realization.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Fang, Wei wesleyfang@outlook.com 0000000198560599
Additional Information:	forthcoming in Philosophy of Science
Keywords:	multiple realization, systems biology, design principles, network motifs, causal structures, functions
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
Depositing User:	Dr. Wei Fang
Date Deposited:	25 Oct 2019 04:12
Last Modified:	25 Oct 2019 04:12
Item ID:	16576
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
Date:	2020
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/16576

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