Abstract
One way that scientifically recognized properties are multiply realized is by "compensatory differences" among realizing properties. If a property G is jointly realized by two properties F1 and F 2, then G can be multiply realized by having changes in the property F1 offset changes in the property F2. In some cases, there are scientific laws that articulate how distinct combinations of physical quantities can determine one and the same value of some other physical quantity. One moral to draw is that in such cases we have the multiple realization of a single determinate, "fine grained" property instance that is exactly similar to another instance. As simple as this moral is, it has ramifications for a number of recent discussions of multiple realization in science. Taken collectively, these ramifications indicate that multiple realization by compensatory adjustments merits greater attention in the philosophy of science literature than it has hitherto received.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 69-86 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | European Journal for Philosophy of Science |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- History and Philosophy of Science
Keywords
- Dimensioned realization
- Mechanistic explanation
- Multiple realization
- Realization