Multiple realization by compensatory differences

作者：Aizawa Kenneth^*

来源：European Journal for Philosophy of Science, 2013, 3(1): 69-86.

DOI：10.1007/s13194-012-0058-6

• Realization
• Multiple realization
• Dimensioned realization
• Mechanistic explanation

One way that scientifically recognized properties are multiply realized is by "compensatory differences" among realizing properties. If a property G is jointly realized by two properties F-1 and F-2, then G can be multiply realized by having changes in the property F-1 offset changes in the property F-2. In some cases, there are scientific laws that articulate how distinct combinations of physical quantities can determine one and the same value of some other physical quantity. One moral to draw is that in such cases we have the multiple realization of a single determinate, "fine grained" property instance that is exactly similar to another instance. As simple as this moral is, it has ramifications for a number of recent discussions of multiple realization in science. Taken collectively, these ramifications indicate that multiple realization by compensatory adjustments merits greater attention in the philosophy of science literature than it has hitherto received.

• 出版日期2013-1