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Chapitre D'ouvrage Année : 2021

Models of downward causation

Résumé

Two conceptual frameworks-in terms of phase space and in terms of structural equations-are sketched, in which downward causal influence of higher-level features on lower-level features is possible. The "Exclusion" principle, which is a crucial premise of the argument against the possibility of downward causation, is false in models constructed within both frameworks. Both frameworks can be supplemented with conceptual tools that make it possible to explain why downward causal influence is not only conceivable and compatible with the "Closure" principle, but also why it is often relevant to causally explain facts in terms of downward causal influence. It is briefly shown that 1) the analysis of downward causation in the two frameworks complements Bennett's (2003) analysis of overdetermination, 2) the analysis does not entail the failure of the "Closure" principle and 3) it does not require the postulate of synchronic downward causation.
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Dates et versions

hal-03953745 , version 1 (24-01-2023)

Identifiants

Citer

Max Kistler. Models of downward causation. Jan Voosholz; Markus Gabriel. Top-Down Causation and Emergence, Springer, pp.305-326, 2021, Synthese Library. Studies in Epistemology, Logic, Methodology, and Philosophy of Science, 978-3-030-71898-5. ⟨10.1007/978-3-030-71899-2_13⟩. ⟨hal-03953745⟩
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