What the Func? Multiple Realizability Need not be Vague
2026/04/02 by Olivia Guest, Mark Blokpoel, Iris van Rooij · 3 voices
Neuroscience · Computer Science · Psychology · #Embodied and Extended Cognition #Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization #Philosophy and Theoretical Science
paper · doi:10.5281/zenodo.19388964
Abstract
Abstract: Multiple realizability (MR) is not necessarily unclear nor does it purely operate at the computational level. To understand potential relationships between MR and other constraints, such as metabolic, we formalise possible meanings of function in cognitive science. We build on these to formalise MR, thus resolving its apparent vagaries. Importantly, MR formalisms meaningfully guide and constrain theory building.
Discussions
- I think ~4 years ago, Iris and I 1st sat down and formalised various meanings of function and multiple realizability — both core concepts for any serious computationalist discussions — because in part [bsky, 47 points, 2 comments]
- Guest, O., Blokpoel, M., & van Rooij, I. (2026). What the func? Multiple Realizability need not be Vague. Zenodo. doi.org/10.5281/zeno... [bsky, 42 points, 2 comments]
- New preprint from the Lab 📝 ✨ Guest, O., Blokpoel, M., & van Rooij, I. (2026). What the func? Multiple Realizability need not be Vague. Zenodo. doi.org/10.5281/zeno... 🧮 🧠 🖥️ 🕰️ 💭 @olivia.s [bsky, 24 points, 0 comments]
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