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Multiple realization and multiple "ways" of realization: A progress report.

Kenneth Aizawa1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 175 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07120, USA.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
|April 4, 2018
PubMed
Summary
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Multiple realization in philosophy requires more than just distinct instances; it demands multiple "ways" of realization. However, current philosophical explanations for these "ways" are insufficient and problematic.

Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Science
  • Metaphysics

Background:

  • The concept of multiple realization is central to understanding reductionism in science.
  • Philosophers like Maley, Piccinini, Polger, and Shapiro argue that distinct realizations do not suffice for multiple realization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically examine the philosophical requirement for multiple "ways" of realizing an entity.
  • To analyze the adequacy of existing philosophical accounts of multiple realization.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of philosophical arguments regarding multiple realization.
  • Review of literature on the "ways" of realization in metaphysics and philosophy of science.

Main Results:

  • Existing philosophical definitions of multiple realization are underspecified.
Keywords:
Multiple realizationMultiple realization by compensatory differencesMultiple realization by orthogonal realizersMultiple realization with individual differencesMultiple “ways” of realization

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  • The proposed requirement of multiple "ways" of realizing lacks clear articulation and justification.
  • Attempts to define "ways" of realizing are shown to be problematic.

    • Conclusions:

    • Current philosophical frameworks struggle to adequately define multiple realization.
    • Further conceptual work is needed to clarify the criteria for multiple realization.