Nagel's reduction theory revisited

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36517/Argumentos.22.4

Keywords:

Intertheoretical reduction. Nagel. Scientific explanation.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to develop further a model of reduction derived from Nagel’s model and from the deductive-nomological model of explanation. We propose this development by examining its consistency with the history of physics, in particular, with Nagel´s further account of the history of physics. In the first part, we introduce the issue of intertheoretical reduction. In the second, we examine the partial consistency of the derived D-N model of reduction with Nagel’s further considerations on reduction. As a conclusion, we argue that, in agreement with Nagel´s theory, the full consistency with history of science is a criterion needed for any purported theory of reduction and that the autonomy of the reducing science is to be preserved.

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Author Biography

, UNESP

Departamento de Filosofia

References

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Published

2019-11-18 — Updated on 2025-03-28

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How to Cite

Ribeiro, H. de M. (2025). Nagel’s reduction theory revisited. Argumentos - Revista De Filosofia, 11(22), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.36517/Argumentos.22.4 (Original work published November 18, 2019)

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