Can a reductionist be a pluralist?

被引:13
|
作者
Steel, D [1 ]
机构
[1] Michigan State Univ, Dept Philosophy, E Lansing, MI 48824 USA
关键词
HIV; molecular biology; multiple-realizability; pluralism; reduction; reductionism; unification;
D O I
10.1023/B:BIPH.0000013263.35121.5a
中图分类号
N09 [自然科学史]; B [哲学、宗教];
学科分类号
01 ; 0101 ; 010108 ; 060207 ; 060305 ; 0712 ;
摘要
Pluralism is often put forth as a counter-position to reductionism. In this essay, I argue that reductionism and pluralism are in fact consistent. I propose that there are several potential goals for reductions and that the proper form of a reduction should be considered in tandem with the goal that it aims to achieve. This insight provides a basis for clarifying what version(s) of reductionism are currently defended, for explicating the notion of a "fundamental" level of explanation, and for showing how one can be both a reductionist and a pluralist.
引用
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页码:55 / 73
页数:19
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