Function, Homology, and Character Individuation
Top Cited Papers
- 1 January 2006
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Philosophy of Science
- Vol. 73 (1) , 1-25
- https://doi.org/10.1086/510172
Abstract
I defend the view that many biological categories are defined by homology against a series of arguments designed to show that all biological categories are defined, at least in part, by selected function. I show that categories of homology are ‘abnormality inclusive’—something often alleged to be unique to selected function categories. I show that classifications by selected function are logically dependent on classifications by homology, but not vice-versa. Finally, I reject the view that biologists must use considerations of selected function to abstract away from variation and pathology to form a canonical description of a class of biological systems.Keywords
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