Single Idea 3471

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 7. Emergent Properties]

Full Idea

Some system features cannot be figured out just from the composition of the elements of the system and environmental relations; they have to be explained in terms of causal relations among the elements.

Gist of Idea

Some properties depend on components, others on their relations

Source

John Searle (The Rediscovery of the Mind [1992], Ch. 5.I)

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'The Rediscovery of the Mind' [MIT 1999], p.111


A Reaction

One must explain at the molecular level why an apple skin is both red and smooth. In the brain one must explain the movement of glucose and the contents of thoughts by their causal relations (I say).