3min chapter

Thing in itself cover image

Justin Garson on madness, psychiatry, functions, evolution

Thing in itself

CHAPTER

The Selection Effects Theory of Function and Nature

In the scientific revolution, people like Francis Bacon or Galileo said it's illegitimate to talk about purposes in nature. But throughout biology, we do talk about the function of a trait, the purpose of a trait. So whether we like it or not, when we start thinking deeply about the notion of function, we also have to think deeply about the idea of purpose and nature.

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