Norms of nature: naturalism and the nature of functions.

Davies, Paul Sheldon

Published by Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2001

About this Item

Davies, Paul Sheldon. Norms of nature: naturalism and the nature of functions. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2001, xiv, 234pp., very good dust-jacket, very good black cloth, remainder stripe on bottom foredge. "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."- CONTENTS: Tracing links of causation -- Approaching the norms of nature -- Discarding selected functions -- Defeating promiscuity: hierarchical systems and systemic functions -- Naturalizing functions: evidence, methodology, and ontology -- Guiding inquiry: the theoretical roles of systemic functions -- Defining functional types: success and malfunctions. 9780262041874 ISBN 0262041871.

Seller Inventory # 84639

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Norms of nature: naturalism and the nature of functions.
• Publisher: Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2001
• Binding: Hardcover
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included