“The Unreality of Realization” by Chase Wrenn, Alabama University
ABSTRACT: This paper argues against the realization principle, which states that lower-level properties bear the realization relation to higher-level properties. It begins with a review of some principles of naturalistic metaphysics. Then it criticizes popular reasons for embracing the realization principle, and finally it argues against the principle directly. The most popular reasons for embracing the principle depend on the dubious assumption that special science theories cannot be true unless special science predicates designate properties. The realization principle itself turns out to be false because the realization relation fails the naturalistic test for reality; the realization relation makes no causal difference to the world.
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