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The correlation argument for reductionism

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Clarke, Christopher  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6225-0115

Abstract

jats:pReductionists say things like all mental properties are physical properties; all normative properties are natural properties. I argue that the only way to resist reductionism is to deny that causation is difference making (thus making the epistemology of causation a mystery) or to deny that properties are individuated by their causal powers (thus making properties a mystery); that is to say, unless one is happy to deny supervenience or to trivialize the debate over reductionism. To show this, I argue that if properties are individuated by their causal powers, then, surprisingly, properties are individuated by necessary coexemplification.</jats:p>

Description

Keywords

5003 Philosophy, 50 Philosophy and Religious Studies, 5002 History and Philosophy Of Specific Fields

Journal Title

Philosophy of Science

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0031-8248
1539-767X

Volume Title

86

Publisher

Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Sponsorship
European Research Council (715530)