Single Idea 14388

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

Full Idea

Nothing can count as a mechanism unless it produces some macro-level regular behaviour. To produce macro-level regular behaviour, it has to rely on micro-level regularities.

Gist of Idea

Mechanisms must produce macro-level regularities, but that needs micro-level regularities

Source

Bert Leuridan (Can Mechanisms Replace Laws of Nature? [2010], §5)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophy of Science' [-], p.18


A Reaction

This is the core of Leuridan's argument that regularities are more basic than mechanisms. It doesn't follow, though, that the more basic a thing is the more explanatory work it can do. I say mechanisms explain more than low-level regularities do.