The Concept of Reduction

The Concept of Reduction PDF Author: Raphael van Riel
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3319041622
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
This volume investigates the notion of reduction. Building on the idea that philosophers employ the term ‘reduction’ to reconcile diversity and directionality with unity, without relying on elimination, the book offers a powerful explication of an “ontological”, notion of reduction the extension of which is (primarily) formed by properties, kinds, individuals, or processes. It argues that related notions of reduction, such as theory-reduction and functional reduction, should be defined in terms of this explication. Thereby, the book offers a coherent framework, which sheds light on the history of the various reduction debates in the philosophy of science and in the philosophy of mind, and on related topics such as reduction and unification, the notion of a scientific level, and physicalism. The book takes its point of departure in the examination of a puzzle about reduction. To illustrate, the book takes as an example the reduction of water. If water reduces to H2O, then water is identical to H2O – thus we get unity. Unity does not come at the price of elimination – claiming that water reduces to H2O, we do not thereby claim that there is no water. But what about diversity and directionality? Intuitively, there should be a difference between water and H2O, such that we get diversity. This is required for there to be directionality: in a sense, if water reduces to H2O, then H2O is prior to, or more basic than water. At least, if water reduces to H2O, then H2O does not reduce to water. But how can this be, if water is identical to H2O? The book shows that the application of current models of reduction does not solve this puzzle, and proposes a new coherent definition, according to which unity is tied to identity, diversity is descriptive in nature, and directionality is the directionality of explanation.

The Concept of Reduction

The Concept of Reduction PDF Author: Raphael van Riel
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3319041622
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 232

Get Book Here

Book Description
This volume investigates the notion of reduction. Building on the idea that philosophers employ the term ‘reduction’ to reconcile diversity and directionality with unity, without relying on elimination, the book offers a powerful explication of an “ontological”, notion of reduction the extension of which is (primarily) formed by properties, kinds, individuals, or processes. It argues that related notions of reduction, such as theory-reduction and functional reduction, should be defined in terms of this explication. Thereby, the book offers a coherent framework, which sheds light on the history of the various reduction debates in the philosophy of science and in the philosophy of mind, and on related topics such as reduction and unification, the notion of a scientific level, and physicalism. The book takes its point of departure in the examination of a puzzle about reduction. To illustrate, the book takes as an example the reduction of water. If water reduces to H2O, then water is identical to H2O – thus we get unity. Unity does not come at the price of elimination – claiming that water reduces to H2O, we do not thereby claim that there is no water. But what about diversity and directionality? Intuitively, there should be a difference between water and H2O, such that we get diversity. This is required for there to be directionality: in a sense, if water reduces to H2O, then H2O is prior to, or more basic than water. At least, if water reduces to H2O, then H2O does not reduce to water. But how can this be, if water is identical to H2O? The book shows that the application of current models of reduction does not solve this puzzle, and proposes a new coherent definition, according to which unity is tied to identity, diversity is descriptive in nature, and directionality is the directionality of explanation.

Reduction and Emergence in Science and Philosophy

Reduction and Emergence in Science and Philosophy PDF Author: Carl Gillett
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1316776646
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 401

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Book Description
Grand debates over reduction and emergence are playing out across the sciences, but these debates have reached a stalemate, with both sides declaring victory on empirical grounds. In this book, Carl Gillett provides theoretical frameworks with which to understand these debates, illuminating both the novel positions of scientific reductionists and emergentists and the recent empirical advances that drive these new views. Gillett also highlights the flaws in existing philosophical frameworks and reorients the discussion to reflect the new scientific advances and issues, including the nature of 'parts' and 'wholes', the character of aggregation, and thus the continuity of nature itself. Most importantly, Gillett shows how disputes about concrete scientific cases are empirically resolvable and hence how we can break the scientific stalemate. Including a detailed glossary of key terms, this volume will be valuable for researchers and advanced students of the philosophy of science and metaphysics, and scientific researchers working in the area.

Oxidizing and Reducing Agents

Oxidizing and Reducing Agents PDF Author: Steven D. Burke
Publisher: Handbook of Reagents for Organ
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 576

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Book Description
Oxidizing and Reducing Agents S. D. Burke University of Wisconsin at Madison, USA R. L. Danheiser Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA Recognising the critical need for bringing a handy reference work that deals with the most popular reagents in synthesis to the laboratory of practising organic chemists, the Editors of the acclaimed Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis (EROS) have selected the most important and useful reagents employed in contemporary organic synthesis. Handbook of Reagents for Organic Synthesis: Oxidizing and Reducing Agents, provides the synthetic chemist with a convenient compendium of information concentrating on the most important and frequently employed reagents for the oxidation and reduction of organic compounds, extracted and updated from EROS. The inclusion of a bibliography of reviews and monographs, a compilation of Organic Syntheses procedures with tested experimental details and references to oxidizing and reducing agents will ensure that this handbook is both comprehensive and convenient.

Source Reduction and Waste Minimization

Source Reduction and Waste Minimization PDF Author: Mosae Selvakumar Paulraj
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 012824321X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 200

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Book Description
Source Reduction and Waste Minimization is the second volume in the series Advanced Zero Waste Tools: Present and Emerging Waste Management Practices. It addresses processes and practices for waste minimization to support efforts to promote a more sustainable society and provide readers with a proper understanding of the major mechanisms followed for waste minimization across fields. Despite being one of the major challenges mankind is facing to establish a sustainable society, waste minimization techniques are not broadly adopted and an organized collection of these techniques with corresponding evidence of results is not available currently. This book covers numerous mechanisms supported by scientific evidence and case studies, as well as in-depth flowcharts and process diagrams to allow for readers to adopt these processes. Summarizing the present and emerging zero waste tools on the scale of both experimental and theoretical models, Advanced Zero Waste Tools is the first step toward understanding the state-of-the-art practices in making the zero-waste goal a reality. In addition to environmental and engineering principles, it also covers economic, toxicologic, and regulatory issues, making it an important resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers working toward environmental sustainability. - Uses fundamental, interdisciplinary, and state-of-the-art coverage of zero waste research to provide an integrated approach to tools, methodology, and indicators for waste minimization - Covers current challenges, design and manufacturing technology, and sustainability applications - Includes up-to-date references and web resources at the end of each chapter, as well as a webpage dedicated to providing supplementary information

Completeness and Reduction in Algebraic Complexity Theory

Completeness and Reduction in Algebraic Complexity Theory PDF Author: Peter Bürgisser
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3662041790
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
This is a thorough and comprehensive treatment of the theory of NP-completeness in the framework of algebraic complexity theory. Coverage includes Valiant's algebraic theory of NP-completeness; interrelations with the classical theory as well as the Blum-Shub-Smale model of computation, questions of structural complexity; fast evaluation of representations of general linear groups; and complexity of immanants.

Model Order Reduction: Theory, Research Aspects and Applications

Model Order Reduction: Theory, Research Aspects and Applications PDF Author: Wilhelmus H. Schilders
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540788417
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 471

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Book Description
The idea for this book originated during the workshop “Model order reduction, coupled problems and optimization” held at the Lorentz Center in Leiden from S- tember 19–23, 2005. During one of the discussion sessions, it became clear that a book describing the state of the art in model order reduction, starting from the very basics and containing an overview of all relevant techniques, would be of great use for students, young researchers starting in the ?eld, and experienced researchers. The observation that most of the theory on model order reduction is scattered over many good papers, making it dif?cult to ?nd a good starting point, was supported by most of the participants. Moreover, most of the speakers at the workshop were willing to contribute to the book that is now in front of you. The goal of this book, as de?ned during the discussion sessions at the workshop, is three-fold: ?rst, it should describe the basics of model order reduction. Second, both general and more specialized model order reduction techniques for linear and nonlinear systems should be covered, including the use of several related numerical techniques. Third, the use of model order reduction techniques in practical appli- tions and current research aspects should be discussed. We have organized the book according to these goals. In Part I, the rationale behind model order reduction is explained, and an overview of the most common methods is described.

Optimization and Variation Reduction in Quality

Optimization and Variation Reduction in Quality PDF Author: Wayne A. Taylor
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780963512215
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description


Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery PDF Author: Michael Argenziano
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1592591213
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 247

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Book Description
A panel of recognized authorities comprehensively review the medical, surgical, and pathophysiologic issues relevant to lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema. Topics range from the open technique and video-assisted thoracoscopic approaches to LVRS, to anesthetic management, to perioperative and nursing care of the patient. The experts also detail the selection of candidates for LVRS, the clinical results and clinical trials in LVRS, and the effects of LVRS on survival rates.

Harm Reduction

Harm Reduction PDF Author: James A. Inciardi
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 9780761906889
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 248

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Book Description
Harm reduction programmes accept the reality of drug use while attempting to reduce its harmful consequences to individuals and society. Here, contributors discuss the philosophical basis and history of such policies and examine their outcomes.

The Reduction of Physical Theories

The Reduction of Physical Theories PDF Author: Erhard Scheibe
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3662650002
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 253

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Book Description
Using simple physical examples, this work by Erhard Scheibe presents an important and powerful approach to the reduction of physical theories. Novel to the approach is that it is not based, as usual, on a single reduction concept that is fixed once and for all, but on a series of recursively constructed reductions, with which all reductions appear as combinations of very specific elementary reductions. This leaves the general notion of theory reduction initially open and is beneficial for the treatment of the difficult cases of reduction from the fields of special and general relativity, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics,and quantum mechanics, which are treated in the second volume. The book is systematically organized and intended for readers interested in philosophy of science as well as physicists without deep philosophical knowledge.