The Problem of Phantom Functions

TY - JOUR

T1 - The Problem of Phantom Functions

AU - Holm, Sune Hannibal

PY - 2017/2/1

Y1 - 2017/2/1

N2 - This paper discusses a recent solution to the problem of artifact phantom functions by Beth Preston. A phantom function is a function associated with a kind of artifact that it is structurally incapable of performing. Preston proposes a criterion of artifact proper function according to which phantom functions can be proper functions. This paper argues that Preston’s criterion cannot ground the teleological and normative aspects definitive of proper functions and that the proposed criterion is not consistent with Preston’s account of how copies of novel prototypes acquire proper functions. The paper defends an understanding of phantom functions suggested in earlier work by Preston.

AB - This paper discusses a recent solution to the problem of artifact phantom functions by Beth Preston. A phantom function is a function associated with a kind of artifact that it is structurally incapable of performing. Preston proposes a criterion of artifact proper function according to which phantom functions can be proper functions. This paper argues that Preston’s criterion cannot ground the teleological and normative aspects definitive of proper functions and that the proposed criterion is not consistent with Preston’s account of how copies of novel prototypes acquire proper functions. The paper defends an understanding of phantom functions suggested in earlier work by Preston.

U2 - 10.1007/s10670-016-9814-x

DO - 10.1007/s10670-016-9814-x

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0165-0106

VL - 82

SP - 233

EP - 241

JO - Erkenntnis: An International Journal of Scientific Philosophy

JF - Erkenntnis: An International Journal of Scientific Philosophy

IS - 1

ER -