Mechanisms in Science

In Recent Years What Has Come To Be Called The ''New Mechanism'' Has Emerged As A Framework For Thinking About The Philosophical Assumptions Underlying Many Areas Of Science Especially In Sciences Such As Biology Neuroscience And Psychology. This Book Offers A Fresh Look At The Role Of Mechanisms By Situating Novel Analyses Of Central Philosophical Issues Related To Mechanisms Within A Rich Historical Perspective Of The Concept Of Mechanism As Well As Detailed Case Studies Of Biological Mechanisms (Such As Apoptosis). It Develops A New Position Methodological Mechanism According To Which Mechanisms Are To Be Viewed As Causal Pathways That Are Theoretically Described And Are Underpinned By Networks Of Difference-Making Relations. In Contrast To Metaphysically Inflated Accounts This Study Characterises Mechanism As A Concept-In-Use In Science That Is Deflationary And Metaphysically Neutral But Still Methodologically Useful And Central To Scientific Practice.