Kaplan and Craver claim that all explanations in neuroscience appeal to mechanisms. They extend this view the use of mathematical models propose a constraint such must meet order be explanatory. I analyze model used provide dynamical systems indicate how explanation cannot accommodated by mechanist framework. argue is well characterized Batterman’s account minimal it demonstrates relationships between explanatory they represent more complex than has been appreciated.

Over the last two decades few topics in philosophy of science have received as much attention mechanistic explanation. A significant motivation for these accounts is that scientists frequently use term 'mechanism' their explanations biological phenomena. Of course, biologists a variety causal concepts explanations, including like pathways, cascades, triggers, and processes. Despite this variety, mainstream philosophical views interpret all with single notion mechanism. In using mechanism...

Abstract Social scientists appeal to various “structures” in their explanations including public policies, economic systems, and social hierarchies. Significant debate surrounds the explanatory relevance of these factors for outcomes such as health, behavioral, patterns. This paper provides a causal account structural explanation that is motivated by Haslanger (2016). suggests structure can be virtue operating constraint, which factor with unique characteristics. A novel framework provided...

Most philosophical work on causal selection examines the of single causes and aims to clarify what grounds, if any, justify this selection. Such analyses overlook fact that in scientific contexts multiple factors are often selected as important some outcome. This analysis a multicausal case which pathways biological explanations. provides novel pathway concept, its role selection, rationale behind It is argued guided by principled considerations, have been overlooked extant literature.

Abstract This paper provides an analysis of explanatory constraints and their role in scientific explanation. clarifies main characteristics constraints, ways which they differ from “standard” factors, the unique roles play While current philosophical work appreciates two types this suggests a new taxonomy: law-based mathematical causal constraints. classification helps capture features constraint types, different explanation, it includes are often overlooked literature.

BACKGROUND Although many facelift techniques incorporate fat grafting with tissue repositioning and removal, the intermediate long-term changes in facial volume after these is unknown. Whereas fillers for have predictable life spans, we know little about following surgery. OBJECTIVES The authors sought to track short-term effects on midfacial change. METHODS We evaluated a subset of patients who were followed by 3-dimensional (3D) photometric imaging 18 24 months deep compartments buccal...

Abstract This paper explores a distinction among causal relationships that has yet to receive attention in the philosophical literature, namely, whether are reversible or irreversible. We provide an analysis of this and show how it important implications for inference modeling. work also clarifies various familiar puzzles involving preemption over-determination play out differently depending on causation involved is reversible.

This article examines the multiple realizability thesis within a causal framework. The beginnings of this framework are found in Elliott Sober’s “Multiple Realizability Argument against Reduction,” which argues that poses no challenge to reductive explanation. While approach has potential reveal new insights, I argue his setup fails capture important aspects thesis. After correcting for these issues, reveals something quite different. It how relates common type complexity biology problems

Abstract This paper examines constraints and their role in scientific explanation. Common views the philosophical literature suggest that are non-causal they provide explanations. While much of this work focuses on examples from physics, explores other fields, including neuroscience, physiology, social sciences. I argue these cases involve causal a unique type clarifies what it means for factor to be constraint, when such causal, how figure

Abstract Recent philosophical work on causation has focused distinctions across types of causal relationships. This paper argues for another distinction that yet to receive attention in this work. do with whether relationships have “material continuity,” which refers the reliable movement material from cause effect. provides an analysis continuity and feature (1) are associated a unique explanatory perspective, (2) studied distinct investigative methods, (3) provide different control over...

Rate constants for the rearrangement of 1-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexanylmethyl radical (2) to 3-methylenecyclohexenyl (3) and 2-methylenecyclopentyl-1-methyl (1) were measured using PTOC-thiol competition method. The ring-expansion pathway is described by rate equation, log(k/s-1) = (12.5 +/- 0.1) - (4.9 0.1)/theta; non-expansion (11.9 0.6) (6.9 0.8)/theta. Employing slower trapping agent, tri-n-butylstannane, favors methylenecyclohexane over 2-methyl-methylenecyclopentane more than 120:1 at ambient...