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Levels and reduction

M Bunge

    The American Journal of Physiology
    |September 1, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary

    This study reconciles scientific pluralism and reductionism by analyzing key concepts like novelty and levels. Moderate reductionism, explaining phenomena without skipping levels, is found compatible with naturalistic pluralism.

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    Area of Science:

    • Philosophy of Science
    • Metaphysics
    • Theoretical Biology

    Background:

    • The scientific and philosophical literature contains various forms of monism and pluralism.
    • Reconciling the world's diversity with explanatory needs is a persistent challenge.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To examine and reconcile pluralism with reductionism in scientific explanation.
    • To analyze concepts such as novelty, self-assembly, and levels of hierarchy.
    • To evaluate different reductionist stances.

    Main Methods:

    • Examination of monism and pluralism concepts.
    • Analysis of notions like novelty, self-assembly, and levels.
    • Logical analysis of reduction, distinguishing between full and partial reduction.
    • Evaluation of anti-, radical, and moderate reductionism.

    Main Results:

    • Concepts like novelty, self-assembly, and levels are amenable to mathematical analysis.
    • Anti- and radical reductionism are deemed untenable.
    • Moderate reductionism, which avoids skipping explanatory levels, is adopted.
    • Moderate reductionism is shown to be consistent with naturalistic pluralism.

    Conclusions:

    • A framework is established for understanding the relationship between scientific diversity and explanation.
    • Moderate reductionism offers a viable approach to scientific explanation within a pluralistic worldview.
    • Naturalistic pluralism provides a consistent philosophical basis for scientific inquiry.

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