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Particles do not conspire
Version 2 2023-06-07, 08:27
Version 1 2023-06-07, 06:42
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 08:27 authored by Arianne ShahvisiArianne ShahvisiThe aim of this paper is to debunk the assertion that miraculous “conspiracies” between fundamental particles are required to bring about the projectibility of special science generalisations. Albert and Loewer have proposed a theory of lawhood which supplements the Best System of fundamental laws with a statistical postulate over the initial conditions of the universe, thereby rendering special science generalisations highly probable, and dispelling the conspiracy. However, concerns have been raised about its ability to confer typicality upon special science generalisations in the way that is required. In this paper I defend their account against these charges, arguing that they derive from a misunderstanding of the typicality claim. I suggest a way out of the impasse via a naturalised approach which focusses on the genealogy of subsystems and encourages conceptual demonstrations of typicality for special science generalisations. I argue for an account of special-science laws that acknowledges the way in which the special sciences reduce to the fundamental physics, thereby dissolving the conspiracy, yet respects the methodological and explanatory autonomy of special science generalisations.
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- Published
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- Published version
Journal
Journal for General Philosophy of ScienceISSN
0925-4560Publisher
SpringerExternal DOI
Page range
1-23Department affiliated with
- BSMS Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2019-08-20First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-11-22First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2019-08-19Usage metrics
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