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Functional Explanation in Biology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2022

Hugh Lehman
Hugh Lehman*
Affiliation:
Western Washington State College
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Abstract

This paper is concerned with the problem of giving a correct analysis of function statements as they are used in biology. Examples of such statements are (1) The function of the myelin sheath is to insulate the nerve fiber and (2) The function of chlorophyll is to enable photosynthesis to take place. After criticizing analyses of such statements developed by Braithwaite, Nagel and Hempel an analysis is presented by the author. Finally the question of whether function statements are explanations is discussed briefly.

Type
Research Article
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 32 , Issue 1 , January 1965 , pp. 1 - 20
Copyright
Copyright © Philosophy of Science Association 1965

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