This chapter argues for a pragmatic reconceptualization of the relationship between the functions of artificial and organic entities. While much prior writing has relied on a distinction between artifact functions and biological functions (which I call the ontological taxonomy), I introduce an orthogonal distinction between artificial and natural functions. This pragmatic taxonomy is ontologically neutral, in the sense that artificial and natural functions are not restricted to artifacts, biological characters, or any other specific class of objects. Which concept should be applied to a particular object, then, does not depend on the type of object under consideration, but on the question or questions one means to answer in ascribing the function. I show that the pragmatic taxonomy avoids two shortcomings of the ontological taxonomy and should therefore replace it in the philosophical study of functions. I further argue that giving up the view that intentions have a special claim over the functions of artifacts can be useful for the purpose of designing for value change.

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Artificial and Natural Functions: A Pragmatic Taxonomy

  • Clint Edward Hurshman

摘要

This chapter argues for a pragmatic reconceptualization of the relationship between the functions of artificial and organic entities. While much prior writing has relied on a distinction between artifact functions and biological functions (which I call the ontological taxonomy), I introduce an orthogonal distinction between artificial and natural functions. This pragmatic taxonomy is ontologically neutral, in the sense that artificial and natural functions are not restricted to artifacts, biological characters, or any other specific class of objects. Which concept should be applied to a particular object, then, does not depend on the type of object under consideration, but on the question or questions one means to answer in ascribing the function. I show that the pragmatic taxonomy avoids two shortcomings of the ontological taxonomy and should therefore replace it in the philosophical study of functions. I further argue that giving up the view that intentions have a special claim over the functions of artifacts can be useful for the purpose of designing for value change.