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Testing Multiple Realizability: A Discussion of Bechtel and Mundale
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 January 2022
Abstract
Bechtel and Mundale (1999) argue that multiple realizability is not plausible. They point out that neuroscientists assume that psychological traits are realized similarly in homologous brain structures and contend that a biological aspect of the brain that is relevant to neuropsychological state individuation provides evidence against multiple realizability. I argue that Bechtel and Mundale adduce the wrong sort of evidence against multiple realizability. Homologous traits do not provide relevant evidence. It is homoplasious traits of brains that can provide evidence for or against multiple realizability.
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- Copyright © The Philosophy of Science Association
Footnotes
I thank Elliott Sober, Frederick Suppe, and two anonymous referees for their helpful comments and suggestions.
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