Abstract

As an introduction to the monograph on reductionism and emergence, we provide a theoretical context for the contemporary debate. We will talk first of the naturalistic approach in philosophy (§2), as well as two of the most important characteristics of the emergency: autonomy and universality (§3). Finally, based on contemporary literature (mainly Patricia Palacios and Jessica Wilson, together with Mario Bunge and Alicia Juarrero) we present some definitions and distinctions to better understand the debate (§4).