Functions Must Be Performed at Appropriate Rates in Appropriate Situations

Abstract

We sketch a novel and improved version of Boorse's biostatistical theory of functions. Roughly, our theory maintains that (i) functions are non-negligible contributions to survival or inclusive fitness (when a trait contributes to survival or inclusive fitness); (ii) situations appropriate for the performance of a function are typical situations in which a trait contributes to survival or inclusive fitness; (iii) appropriate rates of functioning are rates that make adequate contributions to survival or inclusive fitness (in situations appropriate for the performance of that function); and (iv) dysfunction is the inability to perform a function at an appropriate rate in appropriate situations. Based on our theory, we sketch solutions to three problems that have afflicted Boorse's theory of function, namely, Kingma's ([2010]) problem of the situation-specificity of functions, the problem of multi-functional traits, and the problem of how to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate rates of functioning.

A Second Rebuttal On Health

“…they would merely have a variant method of reproduction. i fully accept inclusive fitness (Garson and piccinini, 2014) as a biological goal.…”

Biological normativity: a new hope for naturalism?

“…Otherwise, any organism would count as diseased if they are consuming slightly less nutrition than usual. Proponents of fitness-based disease accounts have come up with a variety of solutions to the problem (see Boorse 1977;Hausman 2012;Garson and Piccinini 2014). Matthewson and Griffiths do not commit themselves to any particular cut-off point but merely suggest that one may adapt Boorse's statistical outlier solution that is already common and well-respected in the medical literature.…”

Evolution, Dysfunction, and Disease: A Reappraisal

“…A selection of important recent philosophical discussions include(Cooper [2002];Kingma [2007Kingma [ ], [2010;Hausman [2011];Garson and Piccinini [2014]). Evolution, Dysfunction and Disease…”

“…Garson and Piccinini ([2014]) are pluralists about the concept of function. They defend the biostatistical view here because it is treated in other recent work in philosophy of medicine as the best hope for a naturalist account of dysfunction.Paul E. Griffiths and John Matthewson…”