Items related to Norms of Nature – Naturalism & the Nature...
Norms of Nature – Naturalism & the Nature of Functions: Naturalism and the Nature of Functions - Hardcover
Synopsis
The components of living systems strike us as functional-as for the sake of certain ends -- and as endowed with specific norms of performance. The mammalian eye, for example, has the function of perceiving and processing light, and possession of this property tempts us to claim that token eyes are supposed to perceive and process light. That is, we tend to evaluate the performance of token eyes against the norm described in the attributed functional property. Hence the norms of nature. What, then, are the norms of nature? Whence do they arise? Out of what natural properties or relations are they constituted? In Norms of Nature, Paul Sheldon Davies argues against the prevailing view that natural norms are constituted out of some form of historical success -- usually success in natural selection. He defends the view that functions are nothing more than effects that contribute to the exercise of some more general systemic capacity. Natural functions exist insofar as the components of natural systems contribute to the exercise of systemic capacities. This is so irrespective of the system's history. Even if the mammalian eye had never been selected for, it would have the function of perceiving and processing light, because those are the effects that contribute to the exercise of the visual system. The systemic approach to conceptualizing natural norms, claims Davies, is superior to the historical approach in several important ways. Especially significant is that it helps us understand how the attribution of functions within the life sciences coheres with the methods and ontology of the natural sciences generally.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Product Description
Norms of Nature An argument against the view that natural norms are constituted out of some form of historical success. Full description
Review
"Davies does an admirable job of explaining and defending his particular vision..." R.K. Harris Choice
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherMIT Press
- Publication date2001
- ISBN 10 0262041871
- ISBN 13 9780262041874
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages250
Buy New
Learn more about this copy
£ 20.23
Shipping:
£ 3.19
Within U.S.A.
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Stock Image
Norms of Nature : Naturalism and the Nature of Functions
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 50169336-6
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Norms of Nature: Naturalism and the Nature of Functions
Published by
MIT Press, Cambridge, 2001
ISBN 10: 0262041871
ISBN 13: 9780262041874
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Abacus Bookshop, Pittsford, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Fine copy in fine dust jacket. 1st edition. 8vo, 234 pp. Seller Inventory # 021484
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Norms of Nature: Naturalism and the Nature of Functions
Seller: Books Unplugged, Amherst, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Buy with confidence! Book is in good condition with minor wear to the pages, binding, and minor marks within 1.37. Seller Inventory # bk0262041871xvz189zvxgdd
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Norms of Nature: Naturalism and the Nature of Functions
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00062694325
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Norms of Nature: Naturalism and the Nature of Functions.
Published by
MIT Press, Cambridge, 2001
ISBN 10: 0262041871
ISBN 13: 9780262041874
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Grendel Books, ABAA/ILAB, Springfield, MA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: As New. Dust Jacket Condition: As New. First edition. As new in like dust jacket. Seller Inventory # 22619
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Norms of Nature: Naturalism and the Nature of Functions
Seller: Book Deals, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Fine. Like New condition. Great condition, but not exactly fully crisp. The book may have been opened and read, but there are no defects to the book, jacket or pages. 1.37. Seller Inventory # 353-0262041871-lkn
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Norms of Nature: Naturalism and the Nature of Functions
Published by
A Bradford Book / The MIT Press, Cambridge, MA and London, 2001
ISBN 10: 0262041871
ISBN 13: 9780262041874
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Theoria Books, Andover, MA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: As New. Dust Jacket Condition: As New. 1st Edition. t cover.234 pp., xiv. NAP. Following the Preface, Contents divided into 7 chapters; (1) "Tracing Links of Causation"; (2) "Approaching the Norms of Nature"; (3) "Discarding Selected Functions"; (4) "Defeating Promiscuity: Hierarchical Systems and Systemic Functions"; (5) "Naturalizing Functions: Evidence, Methodology, and Ontology"; (6) "Guiding Inquiry: The Theoretical Roles of Systemic Functions"; (7) "Defining Functional Types: Success and Malfunctions"; Appreciations and Acknowledgments, pp. 217-218; References, pp. 219-225; Index, pp. 227-234. Black and turquoise dustwrapper not price-clipped (no price) with title and Subtitle lettering in a column at lower left front cover, just above Author name lettering in turquoise over black at bottom left corner; large illustration (detail) of a human iris and small amount of (white) sclera on top half front cover: Long preserved in thick, clear mylar. Black cloth with brilliant silver lettering on spine. But for very small remainder mark on lower edge near spine, FLAWLESS. UNREAD. (NO previous owner names.) Gift-Giving Quality. Seller Inventory # 002577
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Norms of Nature: Naturalism and the Nature of Functions
Seller: Murphy-Brookfield Books, Iowa City SE, IA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. clean, unmarked copy. Seller Inventory # 348999
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Norms of Nature: Naturalism and the Nature of Functions
Seller: Book Deals, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. Shows only minor signs of wear, and very minimal markings inside (if any). 1.37. Seller Inventory # 353-0262041871-vrg
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Norms of Nature: Naturalism and the Nature of Functions
Seller: Book Deals, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Fair. Acceptable/Fair condition. Book is worn, but the pages are complete, and the text is legible. Has wear to binding and pages, may be ex-library. 1.37. Seller Inventory # 353-0262041871-acp
Quantity: 1 available