Single Idea 13062

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism]

Full Idea

In functional explanation, there is a disagreement over whether an item has a function the first time it occurs.

Gist of Idea

Does an item have a function the first time it occurs?

Source

Wesley Salmon (Four Decades of Scientific Explanation [1989], 3.8)

Book Reference

Salmon,Wesley C.: 'Four Decades of Scientific Explanation', ed/tr. Humphreys,Paul [Pittsburgh 2006], p.114


A Reaction

This question arises particularly in evolutionary contexts, and would obviously not generally arise in the case of human artefacts.