Recent Sources on Functions and Mechanisms
Next Spring, I'm teaching a course on mechanisms (mechanistic explanation) and functions (functional explanation). I'm considering some of the following sources:
The Monist, 87.1 (2004).
Studies in History and Philosophy of Science, 37.1 (2006).
Allen, C., M. Bekoff, and G. Lauder, Eds. (1998). Nature's Purposes: Analysis of Function and Design in Biology.
Ariew, A., R. Cummins, and M. Perlman, Eds. (2002). Functions: New Essays in the Philosophy of Psychology and Biology.
Craver, C. F. (forthcoming). Explaining the Brain.
Schouten, M. and H. L. De Joong, Eds. (2007). The Matter of the Mind: Philosophical Essays on Psychology, Neuroscience and Reduction. Blackwell. [If I can get a hold of the essays in this one.]
What am I missing? Does anyone know of other useful collections or recent important papers on mechanisms and/or functions?
Hi Gualtiero,
Buller, D. (ed.) (1999) "Function, Selection, and Design" complements the Allen et al. and Ariew et al. collections very nicely.
Cheers,
Ming
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I'd look at Mark Bickhard's notion of function (see also John Collier); he's analysing mechanisms in the context of complex systems. Very useful examples and criticism of etiological notions of function.
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Oh, and check out Bill Wimsatt's work on functions.
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