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How to Test for Multiple Realization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2022

Abstract

When conceived as an empirical claim, it is natural to wonder how one might test the hypothesis of multiple realization. I consider general issues of testability, show how they apply specifically to the hypothesis of multiple realization, and propose an auxiliary assumption that, I argue, must be conjoined to the hypothesis of multiple realization to ensure its testability. I argue further that Bechtel and Mundale (1999) go astray because they fail to appreciate the need for this auxiliary assumption.

Type
Multiple Realizability, Explanation, and Special Sciences
Copyright
Copyright © The Philosophy of Science Association

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