Steven Horst
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195317114
- eISBN:
- 9780199871520
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195317114.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
This chapter examines the implications of post‐reductionist philosophy of science for dualism and the status of the explanatory gaps. The primary argument for dualism is based on a Negative ...
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This chapter examines the implications of post‐reductionist philosophy of science for dualism and the status of the explanatory gaps. The primary argument for dualism is based on a Negative Explanation‐to‐Metaphysics Connection Principle (“Negative EMC”), to the effect that if A is not reducible to B, then B→A is not metaphysically necessary and A is not metaphysically supervenient upon B. But if other special sciences are not reducible to physics either, the dualist is faced with a dilemma. Either she must give up Negative EMC, and with it the principal argument for dualism, or she must draw similar conclusions with respect to other irreducible phenomena, the result being not a dualism but a pluralism of higher ordinality. Dualism can be reconciled with explanatory pluralism only by producing a reason to think that only the mind‐body gap implies a failure of supervenience.Less
This chapter examines the implications of post‐reductionist philosophy of science for dualism and the status of the explanatory gaps. The primary argument for dualism is based on a Negative Explanation‐to‐Metaphysics Connection Principle (“Negative EMC”), to the effect that if A is not reducible to B, then B→A is not metaphysically necessary and A is not metaphysically supervenient upon B. But if other special sciences are not reducible to physics either, the dualist is faced with a dilemma. Either she must give up Negative EMC, and with it the principal argument for dualism, or she must draw similar conclusions with respect to other irreducible phenomena, the result being not a dualism but a pluralism of higher ordinality. Dualism can be reconciled with explanatory pluralism only by producing a reason to think that only the mind‐body gap implies a failure of supervenience.
Daniel Rynhold
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- April 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199274864
- eISBN:
- 9780191602450
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019927486X.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
The apparently contrasting method of rationalization of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik is subjected to a detailed critical analysis. Following a summary of Soloveitchik’s general method of descriptive ...
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The apparently contrasting method of rationalization of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik is subjected to a detailed critical analysis. Following a summary of Soloveitchik’s general method of descriptive reconstruction as presented in The Halakhic Mind, we first consider the scientific model of rationalization that Lawrence Kaplan finds within Soloveitchik’s reflections on halakhah. Despite humanistic and hermeneutic strands reminiscent of those found in the later thought of Wilhelm Dilthey, it is argued that ultimately this method remains a scientific explanatory method that attempts to subsume particular instances under general laws. There is, however, a contrasting model of rationalization found in The Halakhic Mind that is far more Gadamerian in tone, focusing on the meaning of the commandments rather than on their explanation. Some of the implications of the differences between the two models are discussed, though both models are argued to be highly conservative and lacking the capacity for objectivity.Less
The apparently contrasting method of rationalization of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik is subjected to a detailed critical analysis. Following a summary of Soloveitchik’s general method of descriptive reconstruction as presented in The Halakhic Mind, we first consider the scientific model of rationalization that Lawrence Kaplan finds within Soloveitchik’s reflections on halakhah. Despite humanistic and hermeneutic strands reminiscent of those found in the later thought of Wilhelm Dilthey, it is argued that ultimately this method remains a scientific explanatory method that attempts to subsume particular instances under general laws. There is, however, a contrasting model of rationalization found in The Halakhic Mind that is far more Gadamerian in tone, focusing on the meaning of the commandments rather than on their explanation. Some of the implications of the differences between the two models are discussed, though both models are argued to be highly conservative and lacking the capacity for objectivity.
Christopher Peacocke
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199270729
- eISBN:
- 9780191600944
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199270724.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
Argues that the same principles of complexity reduction that he used to explain principles of perceptual entitlement in the preceding chapter can be used to explain the principles of inductive ...
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Argues that the same principles of complexity reduction that he used to explain principles of perceptual entitlement in the preceding chapter can be used to explain the principles of inductive inference. When we have a sound, non‐conclusive inductive inference from a variety of Fs being G to the conclusion that all Fs are G, this holds because the easiest way for the evidence to hold is one that also makes it the case that all Fs are G. Clarifies and elaborates this thesis and traces out its consequences.Less
Argues that the same principles of complexity reduction that he used to explain principles of perceptual entitlement in the preceding chapter can be used to explain the principles of inductive inference. When we have a sound, non‐conclusive inductive inference from a variety of Fs being G to the conclusion that all Fs are G, this holds because the easiest way for the evidence to hold is one that also makes it the case that all Fs are G. Clarifies and elaborates this thesis and traces out its consequences.
Andrea Moro
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780262034890
- eISBN:
- 9780262335621
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262034890.003.0011
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Psycholinguistics / Neurolinguistics / Cognitive Linguistics
What can we expect to be our understanding of human languages given what we have understood from exploiting the notion of impossible language? The chapter discusses the limits of our understanding, ...
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What can we expect to be our understanding of human languages given what we have understood from exploiting the notion of impossible language? The chapter discusses the limits of our understanding, highlighting the elusiveness of linguistic creativity, and suggest a possible scenario where all syntactic rules can be translated in a geometrical representation (call it “Euclidean Grammars”).Less
What can we expect to be our understanding of human languages given what we have understood from exploiting the notion of impossible language? The chapter discusses the limits of our understanding, highlighting the elusiveness of linguistic creativity, and suggest a possible scenario where all syntactic rules can be translated in a geometrical representation (call it “Euclidean Grammars”).
Barry Stroud
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780195151886
- eISBN:
- 9780199867189
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195151887.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
Argues against the idea that reality is purely physical and can be totally captured by scientific explanation, thus excluding colour from reality. Counters exclusive physicalism by arguing that ...
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Argues against the idea that reality is purely physical and can be totally captured by scientific explanation, thus excluding colour from reality. Counters exclusive physicalism by arguing that explanation does not necessarily constitute a true account of the world and its supposedly subjective qualities, and scientific language does not go beyond the limits of the physical. Raises questions about the link between physical and psychological phenomena and about the view of perception as separate from what is perceived, and argues that an understanding of the perception of colour is required in order metaphysically to unmask its link to physicality.Less
Argues against the idea that reality is purely physical and can be totally captured by scientific explanation, thus excluding colour from reality. Counters exclusive physicalism by arguing that explanation does not necessarily constitute a true account of the world and its supposedly subjective qualities, and scientific language does not go beyond the limits of the physical. Raises questions about the link between physical and psychological phenomena and about the view of perception as separate from what is perceived, and argues that an understanding of the perception of colour is required in order metaphysically to unmask its link to physicality.
Honey Meconi
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780252033155
- eISBN:
- 9780252050725
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Illinois Press
- DOI:
- 10.5622/illinois/9780252033155.003.0005
- Subject:
- Music, History, Western
The expansion of Hildegard’s world and influence is the subject of this chapter. It describes the numerous preaching tours she undertook and her close relationship with Trier, with special attention ...
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The expansion of Hildegard’s world and influence is the subject of this chapter. It describes the numerous preaching tours she undertook and her close relationship with Trier, with special attention given to her so-called hymn Mathias sanctus, written for the monastery of St. Eucharius. Also discussed are Hildegard’s connection to Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, her theological treatise Liber vite meritorum, her connection with the community at Eibingen, her Explanation of the Athanasian Creed, and the numerous exorcisms she performed. The vitae she wrote for St. Disibod and St. Rupert, and the music composed in their honor (especially the sequence O ierusalem, the antiphon O beata infantia, and the responsory O felix anima), are treated as well.Less
The expansion of Hildegard’s world and influence is the subject of this chapter. It describes the numerous preaching tours she undertook and her close relationship with Trier, with special attention given to her so-called hymn Mathias sanctus, written for the monastery of St. Eucharius. Also discussed are Hildegard’s connection to Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, her theological treatise Liber vite meritorum, her connection with the community at Eibingen, her Explanation of the Athanasian Creed, and the numerous exorcisms she performed. The vitae she wrote for St. Disibod and St. Rupert, and the music composed in their honor (especially the sequence O ierusalem, the antiphon O beata infantia, and the responsory O felix anima), are treated as well.
Larry Shapiro
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780231178402
- eISBN:
- 9780231542142
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231178402.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
Some beliefs are justified, some not. Some beliefs are true, some not. Even justified beliefs might be false, and even true beliefs might not be justified. These ideas are important for understanding ...
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Some beliefs are justified, some not. Some beliefs are true, some not. Even justified beliefs might be false, and even true beliefs might not be justified. These ideas are important for understanding why beliefs in miracles, even if true, may not be justified.Less
Some beliefs are justified, some not. Some beliefs are true, some not. Even justified beliefs might be false, and even true beliefs might not be justified. These ideas are important for understanding why beliefs in miracles, even if true, may not be justified.
Larry Shapiro
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780231178402
- eISBN:
- 9780231542142
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231178402.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
Because miracles have supernatural causes, a justified belief that a given event is a miracle requires that one be justified in believing that its cause is supernatural. But the only way to infer ...
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Because miracles have supernatural causes, a justified belief that a given event is a miracle requires that one be justified in believing that its cause is supernatural. But the only way to infer that a supernatural cause exists is through a kind of inference -- inference to the best explanation. Unfortunately, inference to the best explanation cannot justify belief in the supernatural. Thus, belief in miracles is unjustified.Less
Because miracles have supernatural causes, a justified belief that a given event is a miracle requires that one be justified in believing that its cause is supernatural. But the only way to infer that a supernatural cause exists is through a kind of inference -- inference to the best explanation. Unfortunately, inference to the best explanation cannot justify belief in the supernatural. Thus, belief in miracles is unjustified.
Phillip Cole
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748622009
- eISBN:
- 9780748671908
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748622009.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter introduces the four secular models of evil that frame discussions about the idea: the monstrous, that evil is perpetrated by monster sin human shape; the pure, that ordinary human beings ...
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This chapter introduces the four secular models of evil that frame discussions about the idea: the monstrous, that evil is perpetrated by monster sin human shape; the pure, that ordinary human beings are capable of willing evil for its own sake; the impure that ordinary human beings are capable of willing evil, but for the sake of some other goal; and the psychological, that in order to understand evil we must look, not at the human will, but the human condition. It sets the abstract discussion in the context of current events, specifically the abuse of Iraqi prisoners in the Abu Ghraib prison between 2002 and 2004. How could seemingly ordinary people carry out such extreme abuse? How are we to understand the human capacity for cruelty?Less
This chapter introduces the four secular models of evil that frame discussions about the idea: the monstrous, that evil is perpetrated by monster sin human shape; the pure, that ordinary human beings are capable of willing evil for its own sake; the impure that ordinary human beings are capable of willing evil, but for the sake of some other goal; and the psychological, that in order to understand evil we must look, not at the human will, but the human condition. It sets the abstract discussion in the context of current events, specifically the abuse of Iraqi prisoners in the Abu Ghraib prison between 2002 and 2004. How could seemingly ordinary people carry out such extreme abuse? How are we to understand the human capacity for cruelty?
Bernhard Nickel
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199640003
- eISBN:
- 9780191822049
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199640003.003.0009
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Language, Metaphysics/Epistemology
A brief summary of the book and an indication for directions opened up by the theory presented.
A brief summary of the book and an indication for directions opened up by the theory presented.
James Tabery
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027373
- eISBN:
- 9780262324144
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027373.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
If everyone now agrees that human traits arise not from nature or nurture but from the interaction of nature and nurture, then why does the “nature versus nurture” debate persist? In Beyond Versus, ...
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If everyone now agrees that human traits arise not from nature or nurture but from the interaction of nature and nurture, then why does the “nature versus nurture” debate persist? In Beyond Versus, James Tabery argues that the persistence stems from a century-long struggle to understand the interaction of nature and nurture—a struggle to define what the interaction of nature and nurture is, how it should be investigated, and what counts as evidence for it. Tabery tells the story of the past, takes stock of the present, and considers the future of research on the interaction of nature and nurture. From the eugenics controversy of the 1930s regarding sterilization, to the IQ controversy of the 1970s in behaviour genetics regarding race, to the 21st century debate over the causes of depression, Tabery argues that the polarization in these discussions can be attributed to what he calls an “explanatory divide”—a disagreement over how explanation works in science, which in turn has created two very different concepts of interaction. Drawing on recent developments in the philosophy of science, Tabery then offers a way to integratively bridge this explanatory divide and integratively bridge these different concepts. Looking to the future, Tabery evaluates the bioethical issues that surround genetic testing (in the form of whole genome sequencing) for genes implicated in interactions of nature and nurture, pointing to what the future does (and does not) hold for a science that continues to make headlines and raise controversy.Less
If everyone now agrees that human traits arise not from nature or nurture but from the interaction of nature and nurture, then why does the “nature versus nurture” debate persist? In Beyond Versus, James Tabery argues that the persistence stems from a century-long struggle to understand the interaction of nature and nurture—a struggle to define what the interaction of nature and nurture is, how it should be investigated, and what counts as evidence for it. Tabery tells the story of the past, takes stock of the present, and considers the future of research on the interaction of nature and nurture. From the eugenics controversy of the 1930s regarding sterilization, to the IQ controversy of the 1970s in behaviour genetics regarding race, to the 21st century debate over the causes of depression, Tabery argues that the polarization in these discussions can be attributed to what he calls an “explanatory divide”—a disagreement over how explanation works in science, which in turn has created two very different concepts of interaction. Drawing on recent developments in the philosophy of science, Tabery then offers a way to integratively bridge this explanatory divide and integratively bridge these different concepts. Looking to the future, Tabery evaluates the bioethical issues that surround genetic testing (in the form of whole genome sequencing) for genes implicated in interactions of nature and nurture, pointing to what the future does (and does not) hold for a science that continues to make headlines and raise controversy.
Jonathan Hearn
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780719087998
- eISBN:
- 9781526128492
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719087998.003.0003
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Social and Cultural Anthropology
Building on the historical perspective of the previous chapter, this chapter begins by posing the basic questions ‘what is theory for?’. It argues that in the present case it is to situate the events ...
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Building on the historical perspective of the previous chapter, this chapter begins by posing the basic questions ‘what is theory for?’. It argues that in the present case it is to situate the events under scrutiny within a hierarchy of more proximate and more general causes impinging on those events. Towards this end it first surveys a range of explanations that have been brought to bear on the post-2008 crisis, and then surveys a range more general theories of the long-term trajectory of capitalism. In both cases it suggests which theories and explanations are probably the most significant. It concludes by reflecting on the challenge of situating relatively small-scale ethnographic data within large historical explanations that seem to dwarf human agency.Less
Building on the historical perspective of the previous chapter, this chapter begins by posing the basic questions ‘what is theory for?’. It argues that in the present case it is to situate the events under scrutiny within a hierarchy of more proximate and more general causes impinging on those events. Towards this end it first surveys a range of explanations that have been brought to bear on the post-2008 crisis, and then surveys a range more general theories of the long-term trajectory of capitalism. In both cases it suggests which theories and explanations are probably the most significant. It concludes by reflecting on the challenge of situating relatively small-scale ethnographic data within large historical explanations that seem to dwarf human agency.
Benjamin Hale
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780262035408
- eISBN:
- 9780262336499
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262035408.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
This chapter introduces the reader to philosophical and ethical inquiry by forging a distinction between descriptive and normative claims, as well as explanatory and justificatory arguments. It ...
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This chapter introduces the reader to philosophical and ethical inquiry by forging a distinction between descriptive and normative claims, as well as explanatory and justificatory arguments. It utilizes cases of paleontological discovery and climate communication to argue that “catastrophe reasoning” about climate change is not only politically but also ethically problematic. In this respect, it relies on the current climate discussion to frame the general argument criticized in this book: that the mere demonstration of nature’s value is enough to generate obligations to protect nature.Less
This chapter introduces the reader to philosophical and ethical inquiry by forging a distinction between descriptive and normative claims, as well as explanatory and justificatory arguments. It utilizes cases of paleontological discovery and climate communication to argue that “catastrophe reasoning” about climate change is not only politically but also ethically problematic. In this respect, it relies on the current climate discussion to frame the general argument criticized in this book: that the mere demonstration of nature’s value is enough to generate obligations to protect nature.
Lasana T. Harris
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780262035965
- eISBN:
- 9780262339049
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262035965.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
The fourth chapter argues that explanation may be the function of social cognition, aiding survival and driving human evolution. It explores the psychological literature on anthropomorphism—instances ...
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The fourth chapter argues that explanation may be the function of social cognition, aiding survival and driving human evolution. It explores the psychological literature on anthropomorphism—instances where people bring non-human agents and entities to life by engaging social cognition—and describes it as a type of ‘magical’ or imaginary thinking. It then contrasts this ability with dehumanizing people, describing the brain mechanisms enabling dehumanization, and the functions of withholding social cognition to people. It then considers extending social cognition to animals as a domain where the flexible nature of social cognition is revealed. Finally, it implicates explanation as a causal factor in intractable group conflict.Less
The fourth chapter argues that explanation may be the function of social cognition, aiding survival and driving human evolution. It explores the psychological literature on anthropomorphism—instances where people bring non-human agents and entities to life by engaging social cognition—and describes it as a type of ‘magical’ or imaginary thinking. It then contrasts this ability with dehumanizing people, describing the brain mechanisms enabling dehumanization, and the functions of withholding social cognition to people. It then considers extending social cognition to animals as a domain where the flexible nature of social cognition is revealed. Finally, it implicates explanation as a causal factor in intractable group conflict.
James Tabery
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027373
- eISBN:
- 9780262324144
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027373.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
The origin of research on the interaction of nature and nurture is really a story of origins. For, in the 1920s and 1930s, two British biologists separately considered how nature and nurture might ...
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The origin of research on the interaction of nature and nurture is really a story of origins. For, in the 1920s and 1930s, two British biologists separately considered how nature and nurture might interact to bring about the development of human traits and differences in those traits. R. A. Fisher introduced what came to be the “biometric concept of interaction”, while Lancelot Hogben introduced what came to be the “developmental concept of interaction”. Most importantly, Fisher came to think of interaction as a nuisance and rare in nature, while Hogben thought of interaction as common in nature and vitally important to biological explanation. Fisher and Hogben, vehemently arguing during the height of the eugenics controversy, laid the framework for all future debates about the interaction of nature and nurture.Less
The origin of research on the interaction of nature and nurture is really a story of origins. For, in the 1920s and 1930s, two British biologists separately considered how nature and nurture might interact to bring about the development of human traits and differences in those traits. R. A. Fisher introduced what came to be the “biometric concept of interaction”, while Lancelot Hogben introduced what came to be the “developmental concept of interaction”. Most importantly, Fisher came to think of interaction as a nuisance and rare in nature, while Hogben thought of interaction as common in nature and vitally important to biological explanation. Fisher and Hogben, vehemently arguing during the height of the eugenics controversy, laid the framework for all future debates about the interaction of nature and nurture.
James Tabery
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027373
- eISBN:
- 9780262324144
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027373.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
In 1969, Arthur Jensen drew on heritability measures from behaviour genetics to infamously claim genetic differences between black and white Americans best explained the gap in IQ scores between ...
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In 1969, Arthur Jensen drew on heritability measures from behaviour genetics to infamously claim genetic differences between black and white Americans best explained the gap in IQ scores between those two races. Jensen’s controversial thesis ignited what came to be known as the “IQ Controversy”. Richard Lewontin countered Jensen’s genetic hypothesis by appealing to the interaction of nature and nurture, but Jensen dismissed this criticism as confused and irrelevant. What explains the divide between Jensen and Lewontin? Scholars reflecting on this episode have appealed to racism and political bias to explain the debate. This chapter argues instead that what separated Jensen and Lewontin was an explanatory divide—a divide concerning how explanation works in science.Less
In 1969, Arthur Jensen drew on heritability measures from behaviour genetics to infamously claim genetic differences between black and white Americans best explained the gap in IQ scores between those two races. Jensen’s controversial thesis ignited what came to be known as the “IQ Controversy”. Richard Lewontin countered Jensen’s genetic hypothesis by appealing to the interaction of nature and nurture, but Jensen dismissed this criticism as confused and irrelevant. What explains the divide between Jensen and Lewontin? Scholars reflecting on this episode have appealed to racism and political bias to explain the debate. This chapter argues instead that what separated Jensen and Lewontin was an explanatory divide—a divide concerning how explanation works in science.
James Tabery
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027373
- eISBN:
- 9780262324144
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027373.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
What is the relationship between scientists who study the causal mechanisms responsible for the development of traits and scientists who study the causes of variation responsible for differences in ...
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What is the relationship between scientists who study the causal mechanisms responsible for the development of traits and scientists who study the causes of variation responsible for differences in those traits? A number of characterizations of this relationship have been proposed which treat the two scientific approaches to explanation as incommensurably distinct and isolated from one another. This chapter instead offers a formulation of the relationship that sees the two scientific approaches as integratively related—as capable of pluralistically co-informing one another. The chapter draws on scholarship from the new mechanical philosophy and research on the concept of causation to formulate the integrative relationship.Less
What is the relationship between scientists who study the causal mechanisms responsible for the development of traits and scientists who study the causes of variation responsible for differences in those traits? A number of characterizations of this relationship have been proposed which treat the two scientific approaches to explanation as incommensurably distinct and isolated from one another. This chapter instead offers a formulation of the relationship that sees the two scientific approaches as integratively related—as capable of pluralistically co-informing one another. The chapter draws on scholarship from the new mechanical philosophy and research on the concept of causation to formulate the integrative relationship.
James Tabery
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027373
- eISBN:
- 9780262324144
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027373.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
Scientists have been debating the interaction of nature and nurture for nearly a century. Over those 100 years, two radically different visions of interaction have emerged—one side understanding it ...
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Scientists have been debating the interaction of nature and nurture for nearly a century. Over those 100 years, two radically different visions of interaction have emerged—one side understanding it to be a nuisance to biological explanation and rare in nature, and the other side understanding it to be common in nature and vitally important to biological explanation. This chapter surveys that 100 years of empirical research on the interaction of nature and nurture to offer up an integrative analysis of interaction that rises above the divisive debate. That new analysis is then applied to the contemporary debate over the serotonin transporter gene, exposure to stressful life events, and the development of depression.Less
Scientists have been debating the interaction of nature and nurture for nearly a century. Over those 100 years, two radically different visions of interaction have emerged—one side understanding it to be a nuisance to biological explanation and rare in nature, and the other side understanding it to be common in nature and vitally important to biological explanation. This chapter surveys that 100 years of empirical research on the interaction of nature and nurture to offer up an integrative analysis of interaction that rises above the divisive debate. That new analysis is then applied to the contemporary debate over the serotonin transporter gene, exposure to stressful life events, and the development of depression.
Andrea Moro
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780262034890
- eISBN:
- 9780262335621
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262034890.003.0004
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Psycholinguistics / Neurolinguistics / Cognitive Linguistics
The regularities expressed by sentences are not guided by meaning as it is clear by jabberwoki or by contradictory statements. These regularities are rather governed by structural restrictions which ...
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The regularities expressed by sentences are not guided by meaning as it is clear by jabberwoki or by contradictory statements. These regularities are rather governed by structural restrictions which need to be explored on a par with other laws of nature. Unveiling these restrictions is in fact a step toward understanding language acquisition since they must precede linguistic experience in children.Less
The regularities expressed by sentences are not guided by meaning as it is clear by jabberwoki or by contradictory statements. These regularities are rather governed by structural restrictions which need to be explored on a par with other laws of nature. Unveiling these restrictions is in fact a step toward understanding language acquisition since they must precede linguistic experience in children.
Andrea Moro
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780262034890
- eISBN:
- 9780262335621
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262034890.003.0006
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Psycholinguistics / Neurolinguistics / Cognitive Linguistics
It is sometimes assumed that formal representation of language are abstractions and that they contrast with the concreteness of empirical neurobiological measures. It is argued that this is not so ...
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It is sometimes assumed that formal representation of language are abstractions and that they contrast with the concreteness of empirical neurobiological measures. It is argued that this is not so and that, moreover, the formal representations adopted in linguistics are also detectable by providing the right stimulus to the subjects at the neurobiological level; one example is given by the asymmetry of constituent structure.Less
It is sometimes assumed that formal representation of language are abstractions and that they contrast with the concreteness of empirical neurobiological measures. It is argued that this is not so and that, moreover, the formal representations adopted in linguistics are also detectable by providing the right stimulus to the subjects at the neurobiological level; one example is given by the asymmetry of constituent structure.
