Mechanisms in Science
Mechanisms in Science
In recent years what has come to be called the 'New Mechanism' has emerged as a framework for thinking about the philosophical assumptions underlying many areas of science, especially in sciences such as biology, neuroscience, and psychology. This book offers a fresh look at the role of mechanisms, by situating novel analyses of central philosophical issues related to mechanisms within a rich historical perspective of the concept of mechanism as well as detailed case studies of biological mechanisms (such as apoptosis). It develops a new position, Methodological Mechanism, according to which mechanisms are to be viewed as causal pathways that are theoretically described and are underpinned by networks of difference-making relations. In contrast to metaphysically inflated accounts, this study characterises mechanism as a concept-in-use in science that is deflationary and metaphysically neutral, but still methodologically useful and central to scientific practice.
- A combined historical, conceptual and science-based approach to mechanistic views
- Offers a systematic account of the novel position of Methodological Mechanism
- Shows how the concept of mechanism functions in the practice of life sciences
Reviews & endorsements
‘As the 'New mechanical philosophy' grows bigger by the day, it is very difficult to make a significant contribution to the field. But this book is an extremely well researched, timely, and interesting piece of work. It offers compelling (philosophical and historical) arguments for the idea that mechanisms in science are to be understood as a methodological stance, which no doubt will spark debate in philosophy of science.' Federica Russo, University of Amsterdam
‘Ioannidis and Psillos provide comprehensive arguments for taking a deflationary or metaphysically neutral approach to understanding mechanism, especially in biology … Highly recommended.’ J. A. Hewlett, Choice
Product details
April 2024Paperback
9781009011495
289 pages
229 × 152 × 15 mm
0.423kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Part I. Ideas of Mechanism:
- 1. Mechanisms, Then and Now
- 2: Extending Mechanism Beyond the two 'Most Catholic Principles of Bodies
- Part II. Causation and Mechanism:
- 3. Mechanisms in Scientific Practice: the Case of Apoptosis
- 4. Mechanisms as Causal Pathways
- 5: Mechanisms, Causation and Laws
- 6: Against Activities
- 7: Whither Counterfactuals?
- Part III. Beyond New Mechanism:
- 8. Constitution vs Causation
- 9. Multilevel Mechanistic Explanation
- 10: Methodological Mechanism.
