Functions: selection and mechanisms

Functions: selection and mechanisms PDF Author: Philippe Huneman
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400753047
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 243

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Book Description
This volume handles in various perspectives the concept of function and the nature of functional explanations, topics much discussed since two major and conflicting accounts have been raised by Larry Wright and Robert Cummins’ papers in the 1970s. Here, both Wright’s ‘etiological theory of functions’ and Cummins’ ‘systemic’ conception of functions are refined and elaborated in the light of current scientific practice, with papers showing how the ‘etiological’ theory faces several objections and may in reply be revisited, while its counterpart became ever more sophisticated, as researchers discovered fresh applications for it. Relying on a firm knowledge of the original positions and debates, this volume presents cutting-edge research evincing the complexities that today pertain in function theory in various sciences. Alongside original papers from authors central to the controversy, work by emerging researchers taking novel perspectives will add to the potential avenues to be followed in the future. Not only does the book adopt no a priori assumptions about the scope of functional explanations, it also incorporates material from several very different scientific domains, e.g. neurosciences, ecology, or technology. In general, functions are implemented in mechanisms; and functional explanations in biology have often an essential relation with natural selection. These two basic claims set the stage for this book’s coverage of investigations concerning both ‘functional’ explanations, and the ‘metaphysics’ of functions. It casts new light on these claims, by testing them through their confrontation with scientific developments in biology, psychology, and recent developments concerning the metaphysics of realization. Rather than debating a single theory of functions, this book presents the richness of philosophical issues raised by functional discourse throughout the various sciences.​

Functions: selection and mechanisms

Functions: selection and mechanisms PDF Author: Philippe Huneman
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400753047
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 243

Get Book Here

Book Description
This volume handles in various perspectives the concept of function and the nature of functional explanations, topics much discussed since two major and conflicting accounts have been raised by Larry Wright and Robert Cummins’ papers in the 1970s. Here, both Wright’s ‘etiological theory of functions’ and Cummins’ ‘systemic’ conception of functions are refined and elaborated in the light of current scientific practice, with papers showing how the ‘etiological’ theory faces several objections and may in reply be revisited, while its counterpart became ever more sophisticated, as researchers discovered fresh applications for it. Relying on a firm knowledge of the original positions and debates, this volume presents cutting-edge research evincing the complexities that today pertain in function theory in various sciences. Alongside original papers from authors central to the controversy, work by emerging researchers taking novel perspectives will add to the potential avenues to be followed in the future. Not only does the book adopt no a priori assumptions about the scope of functional explanations, it also incorporates material from several very different scientific domains, e.g. neurosciences, ecology, or technology. In general, functions are implemented in mechanisms; and functional explanations in biology have often an essential relation with natural selection. These two basic claims set the stage for this book’s coverage of investigations concerning both ‘functional’ explanations, and the ‘metaphysics’ of functions. It casts new light on these claims, by testing them through their confrontation with scientific developments in biology, psychology, and recent developments concerning the metaphysics of realization. Rather than debating a single theory of functions, this book presents the richness of philosophical issues raised by functional discourse throughout the various sciences.​

What Biological Functions Are and Why They Matter

What Biological Functions Are and Why They Matter PDF Author: Justin Garson
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108472591
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 249

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Book Description
This accessible book presents a new theory of biological functions and connects it to contemporary problems in philosophy and science.

Function, Selection, and Design

Function, Selection, and Design PDF Author: David J. Buller
Publisher: SUNY Press
ISBN: 9780791442111
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 340

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Book Description
A complete sourcebook for philosophical discussion of the nature of function in biology.

Social Functions in Philosophy

Social Functions in Philosophy PDF Author: Rebekka Hufendiek
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429787855
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 262

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Book Description
Social functions and functional explanations play a prominent role not only in our everyday reasoning but also in classical as well as contemporary social theory and empirical social research. This volume explores metaphysical, normative, and methodological perspectives on social functions and functional explanations in the social sciences. It aims to push the philosophical debate on social functions forward along new investigative lines by including up-to-date discussions of the metaphysics of social functions, questions concerning the nature of functional explanations within the social domain, and various applications of functionalist theorising. As such, this is one of the first collections to exclusively address a variety of philosophical questions concerning the nature and relevance of social functions.

Attention and Brain Function

Attention and Brain Function PDF Author: Risto Näätänen
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429945671
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 596

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Book Description
Originally published in 1992, this book presents original psychophysiological research based on computerized techniques of recording and evaluating event-related brain potentials. The application of multichannel magnetoencephalography greatly contributes to exact localization of corresponding neuronal generators responsible for attention. The book contains a bulk of information concerning data obtained by cognitive psychology in the area of study of attention. These results are closely linked with neurophysiological investigation of attention.

Quantum Boundaries of Life

Quantum Boundaries of Life PDF Author:
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128226161
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 398

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Book Description
Quantum Boundaries of Life, Volume 82 in the Advances in Quantum Chemistry series, presents current topics in this rapidly developing field that have emerged at the cross section of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. Topics covered include Quantum Considerations of Neural Memory, Functional Neural Electron Transport, Plasmon-polariton mechanism of the saltatory conduction in myelinated axons, Quantum Field Theory Formulation of Brain Dynamics: Nonequilibrium, Multi Field Theory Formulation of Brain Dynamics, Quantum Protein Folding, Classical-Quantum Interplay in Living Neural Tissue Function, Quantum Effects in Life Dynamics, Quantum transport and utilization of free energy in protein a-helices, and much more. The book's message is simple. Mystics prefer to put consciousness in the cosmos to avoid Darwinism. If the seat of consciousness is found to evolve within all animals, then we have a Darwinian understanding not only of the origin of life and species according to natural selection but also concerning consciousness and, in particular, life being quantum Darwinian. - Presents surveys of current topics in this rapidly-developing field that has emerged at the cross section of the historically established areas of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology - Features detailed reviews written by leading international researchers

Novel Insights into Sperm Function and Selection: from Basic Research to Clinical Application

Novel Insights into Sperm Function and Selection: from Basic Research to Clinical Application PDF Author: Kun Li
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2832536298
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 169

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Book Description


The Routledge Handbook of Mechanisms and Mechanical Philosophy

The Routledge Handbook of Mechanisms and Mechanical Philosophy PDF Author: Stuart Glennan
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 131755230X
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 495

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Book Description
Scientists studying the burning of stars, the evolution of species, DNA, the brain, the economy, and social change, all frequently describe their work as searching for mechanisms. Despite this fact, for much of the twentieth century philosophical discussions of the nature of mechanisms remained outside philosophy of science. The Routledge Handbook of Mechanisms and Mechanical Philosophy is an outstanding reference source to the key topics, problems, and debates in this exciting subject and is the first collection of its kind. Comprising over thirty chapters by a team of international contributors, the Handbook is divided into four Parts: Historical perspectives on mechanisms The nature of mechanisms Mechanisms and the philosophy of science Disciplinary perspectives on mechanisms. Within these Parts central topics and problems are examined, including the rise of mechanical philosophy in the seventeenth century; what mechanisms are made of and how they are organized; mechanisms and laws and regularities; how mechanisms are discovered and explained; dynamical systems theory; and disciplinary perspectives from physics, chemistry, biology, biomedicine, ecology, neuroscience, and the social sciences. Essential reading for students and researchers in philosophy of science, the Handbook will also be of interest to those in related fields, such as metaphysics, philosophy of psychology, and history of science.

Evolutionary Multi-Criterion Optimization

Evolutionary Multi-Criterion Optimization PDF Author: Michael Emmerich
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3031272501
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 646

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Book Description
This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Evolutionary Multi-Criterion Optimization, EMO 2022 held in Leiden, The Netherlands, during March 20-24, 2023. The 44 regular papers presented in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 65 submissions. The papers are divided into the following topical sections: Algorithm Design and Engineering; Machine Learning and Multi-criterion Optimization; Benchmarking and Performance Assessment; Indicator Design and Complexity Analysis; Applications in Real World Domains; and Multi-Criteria Decision Making and Interactive Algorithms..

The Trade Policy Review Mechanism

The Trade Policy Review Mechanism PDF Author: Mathias Kende
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192549758
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 332

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Book Description
The WTO's Trade Policy Review Mechanism, which reviews the trade policies and practices of each WTO member at regular intervals, is generally considered to function well. In this day and age, complacency is unwise. Examining trade policy reviews throughout the lifetime of the TPRM, this book details its evolution from Article X of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to the proposed modifications resulting from the mechanism's latest appraisal, examining the budgetary capabilities and technical performance of all the main entities who participate in the reviews. On the basis of these considerations, the author concludes that in order to remain relevant, especially in times of increased global protectionism, the TPRM could, and should do better, and provides unique and timely suggestions for reform.