Single Idea 13195

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / h. Explanations by function]

Full Idea

A house would be badly explained if we were to describe only the arrangement of its parts, but not its use.

Gist of Idea

To explain a house we must describe its use, as well as its parts

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (On Body and Force, Against the Cartesians [1702], p.255)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.255


A Reaction

This must partly fall under pragmatics (i.e. what the enquirer is interested in). But function plays a genuine role in artefacts, and also in evolved biological organs.