Reduction of biological properties by means of functional sub-types.
The general aim of this paper is to propose a reductionist strategy to higher-level property types. Starting from a common ground in the philosophy of science, I shall elaborate on possible realizer differences of higher-level property types. Because of the realizer types' causal heterogeneity, an introduction of functional subtypes of higher-level properties will be suggested. Each higher-level functional sub-type corresponds to one realizer type. This means that there is the theoretical possibility to reach some kind of type-identity and this opens up the way for theory reduction in a more complete manner. This kind of type-identity will go beyond the common ground of the identity of tokens and their reductive explanation. In the second part of the paper, this reductionist strategy will be applied to a specific debate in the philosophy of biology--the reductionist approach to classical genetics from a molecular point of view.
Sachse
Christian
C
University of Lausanne, Department of Philosophy & Centre Romand for Logic, History & Philosophy of Science, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA; D005796:Genes; D005823:Genetics; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology; D010684:Philosophy; D010944:Plants
D004247:DNA