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Functional explanation and the problem of functional equivalence.

James DiFrisco1

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|July 12, 2017
PubMed
Summary

The problem of functional equivalence challenges biological explanations by questioning why a specific trait, not a functionally similar one, is prevalent. A new dual model offers a solution but reduces the explanatory power of functions.

Keywords:
AdaptationDesign explanationEtiological functionFunctional equivalenceFunctional explanationTeleology

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Biology
  • Scientific Explanation
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Hempel's problem of functional equivalence questions the legitimacy of functional explanations in biology.
  • Existing models, including deductive-nomological and etiological approaches, struggle to explain trait prevalence over functionally equivalent alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the problem of functional equivalence in biological explanations.
  • To evaluate the adequacy of existing models (deductive-nomological, etiological) in addressing this problem.
  • To propose and contrast a novel dual model of explanation.

Main Methods:

  • Critical analysis of Hempel's problem of functional equivalence.
  • Evaluation of deductive-nomological and etiological models of functional explanation.
  • Development and comparison of a dual model incorporating adaptive and design explanations.

Main Results:

  • Functional explanations alone cannot adequately explain the prevalence of a specific trait over functionally equivalent ones.
  • The problem of functional equivalence poses a significant challenge to established models of biological explanation.
  • A dual model of adaptive and design explanation largely circumvents the functional equivalence problem.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed dual model offers a potential resolution to the problem of functional equivalence in biology.
  • This resolution comes at the cost of diminishing the explanatory power traditionally attributed to functions.
  • Rethinking functional explanation in biology is necessary to address issues of trait prevalence and equivalence.