Dizadji-Bahmani, Foad
(2011)
Neo-Nagelian reduction: a statement, defence, and application.
PhD thesis, London School of Economics and Political Science.
Abstract
The thesis proposes, defends, and applies a new model of inter-theoretic reduction,
called "Neo-Nagelian" reduction. There are numerous accounts of inter-theoretic
reduction in the philosophy of science literature but the most well-known and
widely-discussed is the Nagelian one. In the thesis I identify various kinds of
problems which the Nagelian model faces. Whilst some of these can be resolved,
pressing ones remain.
In lieu of the Nagelian model, other models of inter-theoretic reduction have
been proposed, chief amongst which are so-called "New Wave" models. I show
these to be no more adequate than the original Nagelian model.
I propose a new model of inter-theoretic reduction, Neo-Nagelian reduction.
This model is structurally similar to the Nagelian one, but differs in substantive
ways. In particular I argue that it avoids the problems pertaining to both the
Nagelian and New Wave models.
Multiple realizability looms large in discussions about reduction: it is claimed
that multiply realizable properties frustrate the reduction of one theory to another
in various ways. I consider these arguments and show that they do not undermine
the Neo-Nagelian of reduction of one theory to another.
Finally, I apply the model to statistical mechanics. Statistical mechanics is
taken to be a reductionist enterprise: one of the aims of statistical mechanics is to
reduce thermodynamics. Without an adequate model of inter-theoretic reduction
one cannot assess whether it succeeds; I use the Neo-Nagelian model to critically
discuss whether it does. Specifically, I consider two very recent derivations of
the Second Law of thermodynamics, one from Boltzmannian classical statistical
mechanics and another from quantum statistical mechanics. I argue that they are
partially successful, and that each makes for a promising line of future research.
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