more from Robert Kirk

Single Idea 4986

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 2. Reduction]

Full Idea

If multiple realisability means that psychological terms cannot be translated into physics, one weaker kind of reductionism resorts to 'bridge laws' which link the theory to be reduced to the reducing theory.

Gist of Idea

A weaker kind of reductionism than direct translation is the use of 'bridge laws'

Source

Robert Kirk (Mind and Body [2003], §3.8)

Book Reference

Kirk,Robert: 'Mind and Body' [Acumen 2003], p.61


A Reaction

It seems to me that reduction is all-or-nothing, so there can't be a 'weaker' kind. If they are totally separate but linked by naturally necessary laws (e.g. low temperature and ice), they are supervenient, but not reducible to one another.