concept

mechanism

Also known as: mechanisms

Facts (11)

Sources

The Problem of Hard and Easy Problems cambridge.org Cambridge University Press Mar 31, 2023 6 facts

referenceBechtel and Abrahamsen define a mechanism as a structure performing a function in virtue of its component parts, component operations, and their organization, where the orchestrated functioning of the mechanism is responsible for one or more phenomena.

claimDavid Chalmers asserts that explaining the performance of a function is conceptually equivalent to specifying a mechanism that performs that function.

referenceThe first criterion for distinguishing between hard and easy problems, as presented by David Chalmers, is functional definability. If a phenomenon is functionally definable, it can be explained by specifying a mechanism; however, because consciousness is not about functions, it is not amenable to a mechanistic explanation.

referenceThe 'easy problems' of consciousness concern the explanation of cognitive abilities and functions, which can be explained by specifying a mechanism that performs the function.

claimDavid Chalmers's characterization of function aligns with the notion used in experimental biology, where a function describes the results of controlled experiments demonstrating causal relevance between a mechanism or variable and an outcome.

referenceMachamer, Darden, and Craver describe a mechanism as a physical entity consisting of an organized system of interacting parts, where the phenomenon for which it is responsible is the behavior of the system, typically described as an input-output or stimulus-response sequence.

A shift from synthetic to bio-based polymer for functionalization of ... ouci.dntb.gov.ua Tekalgn Mamay Daget, Bantamlak Birlie kassie, Dehenenet Flatie Tassew · Elsevier BV 1 fact

referenceTuttolomondo et al. analyzed the mechanism, kinetics, and thermodynamics of dye-collagen interactions.

Hard Problem of Consciousness | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy iep.utm.edu Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy 1 fact

claimAccording to Joseph Levine, if a scientific deduction of a phenomenon is not possible, it is due to one of three reasons: the laws or mechanisms are not fully specified, the target phenomenon is stochastic in nature, or there are unknown factors involved in determining the phenomenon.

Dualism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy/Winter 2016 Edition) plato.stanford.edu Howard Robinson · Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Aug 19, 2003 1 fact

claimIn the nineteenth century, the growing popularity of mechanism in science created a crisis in the history of dualism.

GWT: A Leading Consciousness Theory Depends on Information ... mindmatters.ai Mind Matters Oct 15, 2021 1 fact

claimGlobal Workspace Theory is not firmly tied to mechanism or materialism.

(PDF) Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness - Academia.edu academia.edu Oxford University Press 1 fact

referenceDavid K. Lewis criticized John S. Lucas's arguments against mechanism in his 1969 paper 'Lucas against Mechanism'.