Accessibility navigation


Biological mistake theory and the question of function

Oderberg, D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9585-0515, Hill, J., Austin, C., Bojak, I. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1765-3502, Cinotti, F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2921-0901 and Gibbins, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0372-5352 (2024) Biological mistake theory and the question of function. Philosophy of Science. ISSN 1539-767X (In Press)

[img] Text - Accepted Version
· Restricted to Repository staff only
· The Copyright of this document has not been checked yet. This may affect its availability.

461kB

It is advisable to refer to the publisher's version if you intend to cite from this work. See Guidance on citing.

Abstract/Summary

Mistake-making is a common feature of life; it can be given a rigorous theoretical framework. The theory, though, faces a challenge from the ‘functions debate’. Perhaps mistakes are merely malfunctions, so a theory of mistakes requires a stance on functions. However, mistake theory views mistakes as distinct phenomena, not just malfunctions. The functions debate is largely separate from the concept of biological mistakes. While the selected effects theory, for instance, may retain its place within a pluralistic view of function, embracing a robust concept of normativity that goes beyond a relatively narrow conception of function can drive future experimental research.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Humanities > Philosophy
ID Code:119019
Publisher:Cambridge University Press

University Staff: Request a correction | Centaur Editors: Update this record

Page navigation