Chen, Bohang (2024) Two dimensions of the biological function debate. THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science, 39 (1). pp. 109-129. ISSN 2171-679X
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Abstract
This article adopts a minimal definition of biological usage to demonstrate that the debate over biological function encompasses two distinct dimensions: descriptive and prescriptive. In the descriptive dimension, biological usage serves as the final arbiter for evaluating different accounts of biological function. Conversely, in the prescriptive dimension, accounts are formulated despite biological usage. The main thesis of this article is that the descriptive/prescriptive distinction helps make better sense of the biological function debate from a novel perspective. This is elucidated by meticulously analyzing the two dimensions and subsequently providing a global overview of the debate.
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| Item Type: | Published Article or Volume | ||||||
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| Additional Information: | ISSN: 0495-4548 (print) | ||||||
| Keywords: | biological function debate, biological usage, descriptive/prescriptive distinction, global overview | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory Specific Sciences > Biology > Function/Teleology |
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| Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email theoria@ehu.es | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 03 Aug 2024 15:32 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 03 Aug 2024 15:32 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 23762 | ||||||
| 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.24794 | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory Specific Sciences > Biology > Function/Teleology |
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| Date: | January 2024 | ||||||
| Page Range: | pp. 109-129 | ||||||
| Volume: | 39 | ||||||
| Number: | 1 | ||||||
| ISSN: | 2171-679X | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23762 |
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