Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Although functional reasoning is ubiquitous in biology, and philosophers have concentrated intensely on theorizing function naturalistically, the measurement of function has largely been ignored. Given its centrality in life science practices, there is good reason to scrutinize functional measurement in detail. I undertake a preliminary analysis of this issue by focusing on the measurement of function in the context of biomechanics to make several observations (e.g., functioning is a complex organismal property that cannot be reduced to a single measured variable) and then draw out novel consequences for debates about biological function and philosophy of science discussions of measurement.
Source: Philosophy of Science
Author: Alan C. Love
Institution: University of Minnesota
Language: English
Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
Funder: John Templeton Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W7165754347
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