Changing the Mission of Theories of Teleology: DOs and DON’Ts for Thinking About Function
Changing the Mission of Theories of Teleology: DOs and DON’Ts for Thinking About Function
This chapter addresses some factors to consider in the further development of theories of teleofunctions. It recommends the things that should be avoided in the theories of teleofunctions: don't draw a hard line between natural functions and functions of artifacts, don't let teleofunctional theories neglect contexts, don't make designer's intentions essential to artifact function, and don't let theories of teleology spiral out of control into definitional oblivion. It allows different facets of functionality in both fields, biological and artificial functionality. This chapter suggests that the various notions of “function” has different strengths and weaknesses, and will be appropriate in explaining different things.
Keywords: teleofunctions, natural functions, artifacts, teleofunctional theories, artifact function, teleology, artificial functionality, biological functionality
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