Reciprocal causation and the proximate-ultimate distinction

Dickins, T.; Barton, RA.

Abstract

Laland and colleagues have sought to challenge the proximate–ultimate distinction claiming that it imposes a unidirectional model of causation, is limited in its capacity to account for complex biological phenomena, and hinders progress in biology. In this article the core of their argument is critically analyzed. It is claimed that contrary to their claims Laland et al. rely upon the proximate–ultimate distinction to make their points and that their alternative conception of reciprocal causation refers to phenomena that were already accounted for by standard theory.

Citation

Dickins, T., & Barton, R. (2013). Reciprocal causation and the proximate-ultimate distinction. Biology and Philosophy, 28(5), 747-756. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10539-012-9345-z

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Sep 7, 2012
• Journal: Biology and Philosophy
• Print ISSN: 0169-3867
• Electronic ISSN: 1572-8404
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 747-756
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10539-012-9345-z
• Keywords: Proximate cause, Ultimate cause, Reciprocal causation.