Full Idea
There is no causal work for the whole that is not done by the parts, provided the complex role of the parts is fully appreciated.
Gist of Idea
Properly understood, wholes do no more causal work than their parts
Source
C.B. Martin (The Mind in Nature [2008], 04.1)
Book Reference
Martin,C.B.: 'The Mind in Nature' [OUP 2008], p.35
A Reaction
It seems like a truth that because some parts are doing particular causal work (e.g. glue), the whole can acquire causal powers that the mereological sum of parts lacks.
Related Ideas
Idea 6141 There is no visible difference between statues, and atoms arranged statuewise [Merricks]
Idea 14469 Overdetermination: the atoms do all the causing, so the baseball causes no breakage [Merricks]