Difference making, explanatory relevance, and mechanistic models

In this paper we consider mechanistic explanations for biologic malfunctions. Drawing on Lipton’s (1993) work on difference making, we offer three reasons why one should distinguish i) mechanistic features that only make a difference to the malfunction one aims to explain, from ii) features that make a difference to both the malfunction and normal functioning. Recognition of the distinction is important for a) repair purposes, b) mechanism discovery, and c) understanding. This analysis extends current mechanistic thinking, which fails to appreciate the distinction. We illustrate our contribution with a case on sleeping disorders as arising from disruptions of circadian rhythms

Difference making, explanatory relevance, and mechanistic models

In this paper we consider mechanistic explanations for biologic malfunctions. Drawing on Lipton’s (1993) work on difference making, we offer three reasons why one should distinguish i) mechanistic features that only make a difference to the malfunction one aims to explain, from ii) features that make a difference to both the malfunction and normal functioning. Recognition of the distinction is important for a) repair purposes, b) mechanism discovery, and c) understanding. This analysis extends current mechanistic thinking, which fails to appreciate the distinction. We illustrate our contribution with a case on sleeping disorders as arising from disruptions of circadian rhythms.; En este artículo tomamos en consideración las explicaciones mecanicistas de las disfunciones biológicas. A partir del trabajo de Lipton (1993) sobre diferenciación ( difference making), damos tres razones por las que se debería distinguir entre: i) aspectos mecanicistas que sólo suponen una diferencia para la disfunción que se pre- tende explicar, y ii) aspectos que suponen una diferencia tanto para la disfunción como para el funcionamiento normal. Reconocer la distinción tiene importancia para: a) fine s de reparación, b) el descubrimiento de mecanismos, y c) la comprensión. Este análisis extiende el pensamiento mecanicista actual, que no llega a percibir la distinción. Ilustramos nuestra contribución con un caso de desorden del sueño que surge de disrupciones de los ritmos circadianos

Lufbery Off to Front In Air Service

A newspaper article that published some of Major Raoul Lufbery\u27s autobiographical writing discussing how he enlisted for war as well as how his career began.https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/special_ms502_newspapers/1032/thumbnail.jp

Shooting Down A Boche

A newspaper article that published some of Major Raoul Lufbery\u27s autobiographical writing discussing catching an enemy pilot unawares, and taking advantage of the situation to shoot the enemy aircraft down.https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/special_ms502_newspapers/1038/thumbnail.jp

My Air Duels with the Boches

A newspaper article that published some of Major Raoul Lufbery\u27s autobiographical writing discussing fighting enemy German pilots in spite of damage to his aircraft.https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/special_ms502_newspapers/1037/thumbnail.jp

Lufbery, \u27American Ace\u27 Writes of His Pleasure Flying for Gen. Pershing

A newspaper article publishing a letter written by Major Raoul Lufbery to a friend. The article also included information about his life and career as a pilot.https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/special_ms502_newspapers/1030/thumbnail.jp