2007Unpublished venueOpen access

A COMPROMISE BETWEEN REDUCTIONISM AND NON-REDUCTIONISM

Eray Özkural

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Abstract

This paper investigates the seeming incompatibility of reductionism and nonreductionism in the context of complexity sciences.I review algorithmic information theory for this purpose.I offer two physical metaphors to form a better understanding of algorithmic complexity, and I briefly discuss its advantages, shortcomings and applications.Then, I revisit the non-reductionist approaches in philosophy of mind which are often arguments from ignorance to counter physicalism.A new approach called mild non-reductionism is proposed which reconciliates the necessities of acknowledging irreducibility found in complex systems, and maintaining physicalism.

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This paper investigates the seeming incompatibility of reductionism and nonreductionism in the context of complexity sciences.I review algorithmic information theory for this purpose.I offer two physical metaphors to form a better understanding of algorithmic complexity, and I briefly discuss its advantages, shortcomings and applications.Then, I revisit the non-reductionist approaches in philosophy of mind which are often arguments from ignorance to counter physicalism.A new approach called mild non-reductionism is proposed which reconciliates the necessities of acknowledging irreducibility found in complex systems, and maintaining physicalism.

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Available abstract

This paper investigates the seeming incompatibility of reductionism and nonreductionism in the context of complexity sciences.I review algorithmic information theory for this purpose.I offer two physical metaphors to form a better understanding of algorithmic complexity, and I briefly discuss its advantages, shortcomings and applications.Then, I revisit the non-reductionist approaches in philosophy of mind which are often arguments from ignorance to counter physicalism.A new approach called mild non-reductionism is proposed which reconciliates the necessities of acknowledging irreducibility found in complex systems, and maintaining physicalism.

Key concepts: Reductionism, Compromise, Computer science, Epistemology, Philosophy, Sociology, Social science

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