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 avenuesto 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.¿
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"The current volume includes some fine contributions to the philosophical literature on functions ... . There is much here to make the collection attractive and engaging both to the newcomer to the debates, and to the more advanced researcher. Itwould be ideal as the main text in an advanced philosophy of biology seminar on functions. ... A valuable read for anyone interested in this fascinating topic." (Stavros Ioannidis, Metascience, Vol. 24, 2015)