more from Cynthia Macdonald

Single Idea 7944

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

Full Idea

There are four kinds of reduction: the identifying of entities of two theories by means of bridge or correlation laws; the elimination of entities in favour of the other theory; reducing by bridge laws and property identities; and merely reducing talk.

Gist of Idea

Reduce by bridge laws (plus property identities?), by elimination, or by reducing talk

Source

Cynthia Macdonald (Varieties of Things [2005], Ch.3 n5)

Book Reference

Macdonald,Cynthia: 'Varieties of Things' [Blackwell 2005], p.123


A Reaction

[She gives references] The idea of 'bridge laws' I regard with caution. If bridge laws are ceteris paribus, they are not much help, and if they are strict, or necessary, then there must be an underlying reason for that, which is probably elimination.