Function and functionalism: A synthetic perspective

Citation
M. Mahner et M. Bunge, Function and functionalism: A synthetic perspective, PHILOS SCI, 68(1), 2001, pp. 75-94
Citations number
60
Categorie Soggetti
Philosiphy
Journal title
PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
ISSN journal
00318248 → ACNP
Volume
68
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
75 - 94
Database
ISI
SICI code
0031-8248(200103)68:1<75:FAFASP>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
In this paper we examine the following problems: How many concepts of funct ion are there in biology, social science, and technology? Are they logicall y related and if so, how? Which of these function concepts effect a functio nal explanation as opposed to a mere functional account? What are the conse quences of a pluralist view of functions for functionalism? We submit that there are five concepts of Function in biology, which are logically related in a particular way, and six function concepts in social science and techn ology. Only two of them may help effect a genuine functional explanation. F inally, our synthetic approach allows us to distinguish Four different vari eties of functionalism in biology, psychology, social science, and technolo gy: formalist, black boxist, adaptationist, and teleological. And only one of them is explanatory in the strong sense defended here.