The Ontology of Mechanisms

2019/01/01 by Isaac Wilhelm · 4 citations
Arts and Humanities · Mathematics · Psychology · #Basis (linear algebra) #Causation #Cognitive science #Computer science #Epistemology #Identity (music) #Mathematics #Mechanism (biology) #Metaphysics #Ontology #Philosophy #Philosophy and History of Science #Psychology

paper · doi:10.5840/jphil20191161139

published in The Journal of Philosophy 116(11), 615-636 (Philosophy Documentation Center)

openalex publication_date 2019/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25

Abstract

I propose a metaphysical theory of mechanisms based on the notion of causation. In particular, I use causation to formulate existence, identity, and parthood conditions for mechanisms. These conditions provide a sound metaphysical basis for accounts of mechanistic explanation, mechanistic organization, and for more restrictive theories of mechanisms.

Cited by

• Explanation grounds causation

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