Work

Teleofunction in the Service of Computational Individuation

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: One type of computational indeterminacy arises from partitioning a system’s physical state space into state types that correspond to the abstract state types underlying the computation concerned. The mechanistic individuative strategy posits that computation can be uniquely identified through either narrow physical properties exclusively or wide, proximal properties. The semantic strategy posits that computation should be uniquely identified through semantic properties. We develop, and defend, an alternative functional individuative strategy that appeals—when needed—to wide, distal functions. We claim that there is no actual computation outside of a functional context. Desiderata for the underlying notion of teleofunction are discussed.

Source: Philosophy of Science

DOI: 10.1017/psa.2024.27

Authors: Nir Fresco, Marc Artiga, Marty J. Wolf

Institutions: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Universitat de València, Bemidji State University

Language: English

Topic: Philosophy and History of Science

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450

OpenAlex ID: W4403547792

FWCI: 7.376

Cites: 29

Cited by: 5

Related to: 10