Esfeld, Michael and Sachse, Christian (2007) Theory reduction by means of functional sub-types. [Preprint]

Preview

PDF Esfeld-Sachse-Red07.pdf Download (176kB)

Abstract

The paper sets out a new strategy for theory reduction by means of functional sub-types. This strategy is intended to get around the multiple realization objection. We use Kim’s argument for token identity (ontological reductionism) based on the causal exclusion problem as starting point. We then extend ontological reductionism to epistemological reductionism (theory reduction). We show how one can distinguish within any functional type between functional sub-types. Each of these sub-types is coextensive with one type of realizer. By this means, a conservative theory reduction is in principle possible despite multiple realization. We link this account with Nagelian reduction, as well as Kim’s functional reduction.

---

Export/Citation:

EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL

Social Networking:

Share |

---

Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Esfeld, Michael Sachse, Christian
Keywords:	reductionism, theory reduction, multiple realization, functionalism, Kim
Subjects:	General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Depositing User:	Michael Esfeld
Date Deposited:	05 Jun 2007
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:15
Item ID:	3371
Subjects:	General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Date:	May 2007
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/3371

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item