Marrying the Merits of Nagelian Reduction and Functional Reduction

This paper points out the merit of Nagelian reduction, namely to propose a model of inter-theoretic reduction that retains the scientific quality of the reduced theory and the merit of functional reduction, namely to take multiple realization into account and to offer reductive explanations. By considering Lewis and Kim's proposal for local reductions, we establish that functional reduction fails to achieve a theory reduction and cannot retain the scientific quality of the reduced theory. We improve on that proposal by showing how one can build functional sub-types that are coextensive with physical realizer types and thereby obtain a theory reduction that is explanatory and that vindicates the scientific quality of the special science

Marrying the merits of Nagelian reduction and functional reduction

This paper points out the merit of Nagelian reduction, namely to propose a model of inter-theoretic reduction that retains the scientific quality of the reduced theory, and the merit of functional reduction, namely to take multiple realization into account and to offer reductive explanations. By considering Lewis’ and Kim’s proposal for local reductions, we establish that functional reduction fails to achieve a theory reduction and cannot retain the scientific quality of the reduced theory. We improve on that proposal by showing how one can build functional sub-types that are coextensive with physical realizer types and thereby obtain a theory reduction that is explanatory and that vindicates the scientific quality of the special sciences

Psycho-neural reduction through functional sub-types

The paper argues that a functional reduction of ordinary psychology to neuropsychology is possible by means of constructing fine-grained functional, mental sub-types that are coextensive with neuropsychological types. We establish this claim by means of considering as examples the cases of the disconnection syndrome and schizophrenia. We point out that the result is a conservative reduction, vindicating the scientific quality of the mental types of ordinary psychology by systematically linking them with neuroscience. That procedure of conservative reduction by means of functional sub-types is in principle repeatable down to molecular neuroscience

Marrying the merits of Nagelian reduction and functional reduction

Abstract This paper points out the merit of Nagelian reduction, namely to propose a model of intertheoretic reduction that retains the scientific quality of the reduced theory, and the merit of functional reduction, namely to take multiple realization into account and to offer reductive explanations. By considering Lewis' and Kim's proposal for local reductions, we establish that functional reduction fails to achieve a theory reduction and cannot retain the scientific quality of the reduced theory. We improve on that proposal by showing how one can build functional subtypes that are coextensive with physical realizer types and thereby obtain a theory reduction that is explanatory and that vindicates the scientific quality of the special sciences. Keywords: bridge principles, functional reduction, multiple realization, Nagelian reduction, theory reduction The motivation for Nagelian reduction Consider a theory T 1 of a special science with a limited domain of application such as, for instance, classical genetics or folk psychology. Assume that T 1 is true or approximately true, that its concepts seize natural kinds, that it contains laws or law-like generalizations, which capture salient causal connections in the world, that it has ample predictive success, etc. -in short, let T 1 be a mature scientific theory. We wonder how T 1 fits into our broader body of knowledge. We have no inclination to suppose that T 1 is about properties -and connections between properties -that do not strongly supervene on more basic physical properties. Let us therefore assume that there is a more basic theory T 2 with a broader domain of application that includes the domain of objects to which T 1 refers, such as, for instance, a theory of molecular biology or physics. Since the domain of objects of T 1 is a proper part of the domain of objects of T 2 and since the properties with which T 1 is concerned strongly supervene on the properties with which T 2 is concerned, there has to be a systematic relationship between T 1 and T 2 , including a systematic relationship between the laws of T 1 and the laws of T 2 (given that the manner in which the properties in the focus of T 1 are connected with each other, as captured by the laws of T 1 , strongly supervenes on the manner in which the properties in the focus of T 2 are connected with each other, as captured by the laws of T 2 ). The reducibility of T 1 to T 2 is the primary candidate for such a systematic relationship. If the properties in the domain of T 1 strongly supervene on the properties in the domain of T 2 , then all the truths about the properties in the domain of T 1 are derivable from the truths about the properties in the domain of T 2 . This is not to say that they are a priori derivable; the deduction may need principles that are established only a posteriori. In the following, we briefly recall the Nagelian model of deriving the laws of T 1 from the laws of T 2 and thus th

Auditory stimulation does not induce implicit memory during anaesthesia

Background and aim of the study: Formation of implicit memory during general anaesthesia is still debated. Perceptual learning is the ability to learn to perceive. In this study, an auditory perceptual learning paradigm, using frequency discrimination, was performed to investigate the implicit memory. It was hypothesized that auditory stimulation would successfully induce perceptual learning. Thus, initial thresholds of the frequency discrimination postoperative task should be lower for the stimulated group (group S) compared to the control group (group C). Material and method: Eighty-seven patients ASA I-III undergoing visceral and orthopaedic surgery during general anaesthesia lasting more than 60 minutes were recruited. The anaesthesia procedure was standardized (BISR monitoring included). Group S received auditory stimulation (2000 pure tones applied for 45 minutes) during the surgery. Twenty-four hours after the operation, both groups performed ten blocks of the frequency discrimination task. Mean of the thresholds for the first three blocks (T1) were compared between groups. Results: Mean age and BIS value of group S and group C are respectively 40 } 11 vs 42 } 11 years (p = 0,49) and 42 } 6 vs 41 } 8 (p = 0.87). T1 is respectively 31 } 33 vs 28 } 34 (p = 0.72) in group S and C. Conclusion: In our study, no implicit memory during general anaesthesia was demonstrated. This may be explained by a modulation of the auditory evoked potentials caused by the anaesthesia, or by an insufficient longer time of repetitive stimulation to induce perceptual learning

Anesthesia prevents auditory perceptual learning.

BACKGROUND: An auditory perceptual learning paradigm was used to investigate whether implicit memories are formed during general anesthesia. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients who had an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of I-III and were scheduled to undergo an elective surgery with general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received auditory stimulation during surgery, whereas the other did not. The auditory stimulation consisted of pure tones presented via headphones. The Bispectral Index level was maintained between 40 and 50 during surgery. To assess learning, patients performed an auditory frequency discrimination task after surgery, and comparisons were made between the groups. General anesthesia was induced with thiopental and maintained with a mixture of fentanyl and sevoflurane. RESULTS: There was no difference in the amount of learning between the two groups (mean +/- SD improvement: stimulated patients 9.2 +/- 11.3 Hz, controls 9.4 +/- 14.1 Hz). There was also no difference in initial thresholds (mean +/- SD initial thresholds: stimulated patients 31.1 +/- 33.4 Hz, controls 28.4 +/- 34.2 Hz). These results suggest that perceptual learning was not induced during anesthesia. No correlation between the bispectral index and the initial level of performance was found (Pearson r = -0.09, P = 0.59). CONCLUSION: Perceptual learning was not induced by repetitive auditory stimulation during anesthesia. This result may indicate that perceptual learning requires top-down processing, which is suppressed by the anesthetic