Collections | Livre | Chapitre
Reductionism in biology
an example of biochemistry
pp. 195-203
Résumé
In this paper, I argue that the multiple realizability argument against reductionism does not work in biochemistry and that biochemistry as a reductionist project is a progressive research program. Since the anti-reductionist argument that appeals to the multiple realizability thesis doesn't work and since biochemistry that incorporates the principle that biological functions of biomolecules in living cells can be understood in terms of chemical and physical properties of those molecules is a progressive research program, I conclude that plausibility of reductionism is still worthy of further study.
Détails de la publication
Publié dans:
Stadler Friedrich (2010) The present situation in the philosophy of science. Dordrecht, Springer.
Pages: 195-203
DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-9115-4_16
Citation complète:
Elgin Mehmet, 2010, Reductionism in biology: an example of biochemistry. In F. Stadler (ed.) The present situation in the philosophy of science (195-203). Dordrecht, Springer.