Asymptotics, Reduction and Emergence
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8397463 |
|---|---|
| Authors | C A Hooker (University of Newcastle Australia, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2004 |
| Volume | 55 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 435-479 |
| Publication date | 2004-09-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0007-0882 • E-ISSN: 1464-3537 |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1093/bjps/55.3.435 |
| OpenAlex | W2023022780 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 9 |
| References cited | 14 |
All the major inter-theoretic relations of fundamental science are asymptotic ones, e.g. quantum theory as Planck's constant h → 0, yielding (roughly) Newtonian mechanics. Thus asymptotics ultimately grounds claims about inter-theoretic explanation, reduction and emergence. This paper examines four recent, central claims by Batterman concerning asymptotics and reduction. While these claims are criticised, the discussion is used to develop an enriched, dynamically-based account of reduction and emergence, to show its capacity to illuminate the complex variety of inter-theory relationships in physics, and to provide a principled resolution to such persistent philosophical problems as multiple realisability and the nature of the special sciences. 1. Introduction 2. Exposition 3. Examination I: Claims (1) and (2), asymptotic explanation and reference 4. Examination II: Claim (3), reduction and singular asymptotics 5. Examination III: Claim (4), emergence and multiple realisability 6. Conclusion
Calculus (dental) · Epistemology · Mathematical economics · Physics · Reduction (mathematics) · Resolution (logic) · Statistics · Theoretical physics · Variety (cybernetics) · Computer Science · Mathematics · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Philosophy and Theoretical Science · Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Evolution, the Extended Synthesis
Less is Different
Understanding HPS paradigms through Galison’s problems
Spontaneous symmetry breaking in quantum systems
Interaction and bio-cognitive order
Forms of emergent interaction in General Process Theory
Can Classical Structures Explain Quantum Phenomena
Consciousness and Reduction
Entropy and the Idea of God(s)
The disorder of things
Mind in a Physical World
Scientific Realism and the Plasticity of Mind
The Devil in the Details
Making Sense of Emergence
Idealisation, naturalism, and rationality
Special sciences (or
Multiple Realization and the Metaphysics of Reduction
Types of Inter-Theoretic Reduction
Multiple Realizability and Universality
| Unique citing works | 9 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,43 |
| Citation span | 2005 - 2024 (20) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 9 |