Author:

Keywords:

Arts & Humanities, History & Philosophy Of Science, History & Philosophy of Science, MULTIPLE REALIZABILITY, ORGANISM, PERSPECTIVE, EVOLUTION, LIFE, NEED, 2202 History and Philosophy of Specific Fields, 2203 Philosophy, Science Studies, 5002 History and philosophy of specific fields, 5003 Philosophy

Abstract:

Individuality is an important concept in biology, yet there are many non-equivalent criteria of individuality expressed in different kinds of biological individuals. This paper evaluates these different kinds in terms of their capacity to support explanatory generalizations over the systems they individuate. Viewing the problem of individuality from this perspective promotes a splitting strategy in which different kinds make different epistemic trade-offs which suit them for different explanatory roles. I argue that evolutionary individuals, interpreted as forming a functional kind, face difficulties of individuation and explanatory power that are mitigated by relying on more structurally based properties and non-evolutionary kinds.