Heroic antireductionism and genetics: A tale of one science

Philosophy of Science 63 (3):45 (1996)
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Abstract

In this paper I provide a novel argument against the claim that classical genetics is being reduced to molecular genetics. Specifically, I demonstrate that reductionists must subscribe to the unargued and problematic thesis that molecular genetics is 'independent' of classical genetics. I also argue that several standard antireductionist positions can be faulted for unnecessarily conceding the Independence Thesis to the reductionists. In place of a 'tale of two sciences', I offer a 'heroic' stance that denies classical genetics is being reduced, yet sees classical and molecular genetics as fundamentally unified

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References found in this work

1953 and all that. A tale of two sciences.Philip Kitcher - 1984 - Philosophical Review 93 (3):335-373.
Interfield theories.Lindley Darden & Nancy Maull - 1977 - Philosophy of Science 44 (1):43-64.
Approaches to reduction.Kenneth F. Schaffner - 1967 - Philosophy of Science 34 (2):137-147.
Genes made molecular.C. Kenneth Waters - 1994 - Philosophy of Science 61 (2):163-185.
Why the Anti-Reductionist Consensus Won’t Survive: The Case of Classical Mendelian Genetics.C. Kenneth Waters - 1990 - PSA: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association 1990:125-139.

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