A Causal-Role Account of Ecological Role Functions
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Published:2022-12-15
Issue:
Volume:
Page:1-31
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ISSN:0031-8248
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Container-title:Philosophy of Science
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Philos. sci.
Abstract
Abstract
I develop an account of ecological role functions—the functions of species within ecosystems—which is informed by alternative regime phenomena in ecology. My account is a causal-role theory which includes a counterfactual sensitivity condition. The account tracks and explains a distinction ecologists make between functions and various activities which are not functions. My counterfactual sensitivity condition resolves the liberality problem often attributed to causal-role theories of function, while also illuminating the explanatory centrality of role functions within ecology.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
History and Philosophy of Science,Philosophy,History