Biological mistake theory and the question of function

Oderberg, D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9585-0515, Hill, J., Austin, C., Bojak, I. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1765-3502, Cinotti, F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2921-0901 and Gibbins, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0372-5352 (2024) Biological mistake theory and the question of function. Philosophy of Science. ISSN 1539-767X doi: 10.1017/psa.2024.56 (In Press)

Abstract/Summary

Mistake-making is a common feature of life; it can be given a rigorous theoretical framework. The theory, though, faces a challenge from the ‘functions debate’. Perhaps mistakes are merely malfunctions, so a theory of mistakes requires a stance on functions. However, mistake theory views mistakes as distinct phenomena, not just malfunctions. The functions debate is largely separate from the concept of biological mistakes. While the selected effects theory, for instance, may retain its place within a pluralistic view of function, embracing a robust concept of normativity that goes beyond a relatively narrow conception of function can drive future experimental research.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/119019
Identification Number/DOI	10.1017/psa.2024.56
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Humanities > Philosophy
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
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