Are Higher Mechanistic Levels Causally Autonomous

Bibliographic Data

ID10704656
AuthorsPeter Fazekas (0000-0002-2922-1865, University of Antwerp, corresponding author), Gergely Kertesz (0000-0003-0424-7951, Durham University)
Year2019
Volume86
Issue5
Pages847-857
Publication date2019-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePhilosophy of Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0031-8248 • E-ISSN: 1539-767X
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1086/705450
OpenAlexW2899441573
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited21

This article provides a detailed analysis and explores the prospects of the arguments for higher-level causal autonomy available for the proponents of the mechanistic framework. Three different arguments (context based, organization based, and constraint based) are distinguished. After clarifying previously raised worries with regard to the first two arguments, the article focuses on the newest version of the third argument that has recently been revived by William Bechtel. By using Bechtel’s own case study, it is shown that not even reference to constraints can establish the causal autonomy of higher mechanistic levels

Argument (complex analysis) · Autonomy · Causal analysis · Causality (physics) · Constraint (computer-aided design) · Context (archaeology) · Economics · Epistemology · Mathematical economics · Political science · Positive economics · Sociology · Chemistry · History · Law · Mathematics · Origins and Evolution of Life · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science

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