This volume handles in various perspectives the concept of function and
the nature of functional explanations, topics much discussed since two
major and conflicting accounts have been raised by Larry Wright and
Robert Cummins' papers in the 1970s. Here, both Wright's 'etiological
theory of functions' and Cummins' 'systemic' conception of functions are
refined and elaborated in the light of current scientific practice, with
papers showing how the 'etiological' theory faces several objections and
may in reply be revisited, while its counterpart became ever more
sophisticated, as researchers discovered fresh applications for it.
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 avenues
to 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.
