Mechanism and explanation
Article Abstract:
Mechanisms are an essential part of natural science explanations. Statistical regularities cannot explain processes and events in themselves, but ask for an explanation to be provided. Probabalistic laws can provide the premises for explanations for statistical regularities. Holism and atomism have drawbacks in both social science and natural science, while a systemic approach is more useful. Methodological rules can be developed from mechanisms and links between the micro and macro levels.
Publication Name: Philosophy of the Social Sciences
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0048-3931
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Ten modes of individualism - none of which works - and their alternatives
Article Abstract:
Ten modes of individualism are discussed, along with three alternatives, and systematism is suggested as the most viable approach. The modes of individualism are ontological, logical, semantic, epistemological, methodological, axiological, praxiological, ethical, historical, and political. Alternatives include holism, hybrids of individualism and holism, and systematism.
Publication Name: Philosophy of the Social Sciences
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0048-3931
Year: 2000
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
How does it work?: The search for explanatory mechanisms
Article Abstract:
The concepts of system, mechanism, mechanism guessing and explanation are addressed. Mechanism is conceived as a process in a concrete system, natural or social.
Publication Name: Philosophy of the Social Sciences
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0048-3931
Year: 2004
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Trade policy and learning by doing: the case of semiconductors. The evolution of market structure in semiconductors: The role of product standards
- Abstracts: Mediators and moderators in the evaluation of programs for children; current practice and agenda for improvement
- Abstracts: Profile of public laboratories, industrial partnerships and organisation of R&D: the dynamics of industrial relationships in a large research organisation
- Abstracts: Linking learning, knowledge creation, and business creativity: a preliminary assessment of the East Asian quest for creativity
- Abstracts: Quantification of the IS99 emission scenario storylines using the atmospheric stabilization framework. Structural changes in developing countries and their implications for energy-related CO2 emissions