Integrated-structure emergence and its mechanistic explanation.

This paper proposes an integrated-structure notion of interlevel (part-whole) emergence, from a dynamic relational ontological perspective. First, I will argue that only the individualist essentialism of atomistic metaphysics can block the possibility of interlevel emergence. Then I will show that w...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Synthese Vol. 198; no. 9; pp. 8687 - 8712
Autor principal: Santos, Gil
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Springer Nature Sep2021
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:This paper proposes an integrated-structure notion of interlevel (part-whole) emergence, from a dynamic relational ontological perspective. First, I will argue that only the individualist essentialism of atomistic metaphysics can block the possibility of interlevel emergence. Then I will show that we can make sense of emergence by recognizing the formation of structures of transformative and interdependent causal relations in the generation and development of a particular class of mereological complexes called integrated systems. Finally, I shall argue that even though the emergent structural attributes of such systems are not micro-determined nor micro-reducible, they can still be accounted for by an interlevel integrative neo-mechanistic form of explanation.