Reductionism today

Michael Esfeld

pp. 89-101

in: Maria C. Galavotti, Elisabeth Nemeth, Friedrich Stadler (eds), European philosophy of science, Berlin, Springer, 2014

Abstract

The paper outlines the main argument for ontological reductionism in today's discussion, claims that ontological and epistemological reductionism (theory reduction) stand or fall together and finally sketches out how today's most widespread form of reduction, namely functional reduction, can be developed into a fullyfl edged theory reduction, thus taking up the programme of the Vienna circle in today's philosophy.