Mechanisms and constitutive relevance

Mark B. Couch

pp. 375-388

in: Gualtiero Piccinini (ed), Neuroscience and its philosophy, Synthese 183 (3), 2011.

Abstract

This paper will examine the nature of mechanisms and the distinction between the relevant and irrelevant parts involved in a mechanism’s operation. I first consider Craver’s account of this distinction in his book on the nature of mechanisms, and explain some problems. I then offer a novel account of the distinction that appeals to some resources from Mackie’s theory of causation. I end by explaining how this account enables us to better understand what mechanisms are and their various features.