Are Causal Analysis and System Analysis Compatible Approaches?

Russo, Federica

doi:10.1080/02698590903467127

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…This is because, in differential equations, variables have no explicit causal role because such equations do not on their own capture any causal asymmetry. Nor is there a natural mechanistic interpretation of differential equations (on this point see, e.g., Russo (2010)). Granted, some differential equations might be interpreted as modelling hierarchies-in principle nothing prevents the inclusion of variables at different levels-but we need mechanistic hierarchy.…”

Section: Differential Equationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Models for Prediction, Explanation and Control: Recursive Bayesian Networks

Casini

Illari²,

Russo

et al. 2011

THEORIA

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The Recursive Bayesian Net (RBN) formalism was originally developed for modelling nested causal relationships. In this paper we argue that the formalism can also be applied to modelling the hierarchical structure of mechanisms. The resulting network contains quantitative information about probabilities, as well as qualitative information about mechanistic structure and causal relations. Since information about probabilities, mechanisms and causal relations is vital for prediction, explanation and control respectively, an RBN can be applied to all these tasks. We show in particular how a simple two-level RBN can be used to model a mechanism in cancer science. The higher level of our model contains variables at the clinical level, while the lower level maps the structure of the cell's mechanism for apoptosis.

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Section: Differential Equationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Models for Prediction, Explanation and Control: Recursive Bayesian Networks

Casini

Illari²,

Russo

et al. 2011

THEORIA

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“…As well as the project of explaining cognitive development we are also interested in identifying interventions. Russo (2010) rightly notes that we have two goals when we approach causation in complex systems. One is a cognitive goal, the target is explanation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

As We Build our World We Build our Minds: The Causal Role of Technology in the Development and Evolution of Human Psychological Traits

Gers¹

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<p>Do genes or environments have more of a role to play in the development of psychological traits? The nature versus nurture debate takes many forms and recent developmental systems arguments consider the roles of developmental resources to be inextricably linked. In this thesis I show that some elements of human culture, specifically technologies, play a privileged role in psychological development. Moreover, as we invent new technologies, we change the developmental environment for the present and subsequent generations, thereby causing evolution of the mind. I begin by outlining evidence, which shows that culture, and technology in particular, cause novel psychological traits to develop. Then I explain the evolutionary dynamics by which novel technologies and traits co-elaborate each other. The brain has evolved adaptations for plasticity and responds to environmental challenges in novel ways during development. I also show that brains often integrate with the material world, incorporating symbols, technologies and other artefacts as part of distributed information processing systems. Having demonstrated that technology has a causal role to play in cognitive development and function, I then move on to explain how we can distinguish among causal roles and thereby favour some causes over others in explanations of the development of traits. Beginning with Woodward’s analysis of three dimensions of biological causation, I build a concept space and incorporate a fourth dimension of causation. This modified four-dimensional concept space of causal roles allows us to categorize and distinguish the causal role of genetic and non-genetic developmental resources. It turns out that, with respect to some questions or effects we are interested in, genes are important, and with respect to many other effects or developmental outcomes, cultural technologies are more privileged causes. I illustrate the use of this causal analysis tool by explaining the development of critical thinking skills. I conclude by arguing that the privileged role of technology in psychological development may help to explain two problems in human prehistory. First, it helps to explain why there was a lag between Homo sapiens becoming anatomically modern and only later becoming behaviourally modern, and second, it helps to explain the mysterious extinction of the Neanderthals.</p>

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Functions and Mechanisms in Structural-Modelling Explanations

Wunsch

Russo

2014

J Gen Philos Sci

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One way the social scientists explain phenomena is by building structural models. These models are explanatory insofar as they manage to perform a recursive decomposition on an initial multivariate probability distribution, which can be interpreted as a mechanism. The social scientists should include the variables in the model on the basis of their function in the mechanism. This paper examines the notion of 'function' within structural modelling. We argue that 'functions' ought to be understood as the theoretical underpinnings of the causes, namely as the role that causes play in the functioning of the mechanism.

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Are Causal Analysis and System Analysis Compatible Approaches?

Cited by 8 publications

References 14 publications

Models for Prediction, Explanation and Control: Recursive Bayesian Networks

Models for Prediction, Explanation and Control: Recursive Bayesian Networks

As We Build our World We Build our Minds: The Causal Role of Technology in the Development and Evolution of Human Psychological Traits

Functions and Mechanisms in Structural-Modelling Explanations

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