技术人工物功能归属的倾向性进路

Dispositional Approach to the Function Ascription of Technical Artifacts

功能是一种特殊的倾向性。基本形式本体把功能归为倾向性的子类别,同时技术哲学领域中的功能倾向性进路亦有一定进展,两者却均具有局限性。基于卡尔纳普过时的倾向性分析,克劳斯错误地作出功能不是倾向性的论断。结合系统论,倾向性获得了一个充分的定义。技术人工物的功能归属意味着功能须满足倾向性的表达式,且具有实现主体目的的意向性,其物理化学结构支持功能的实现,专有功能则是技术人工物得以复制的原因。这一新理论能够满足功能理论的四个充分性标准,尤其是解决了功能失常和功能缺失的区分这一难问题。

Function is a special type of disposition and basic formal ontology classifies function into the sub-category of disposition,and the dispositional approach of function in the philosophy of technology has made some progress,but both of them have some limitations.Based on Carnap’s outdated analysis of disposition,Kroes wrongly concluded that function is not a type of disposition.Combining with the system theory,disposition has been fully defined.The function ascription of technical artifacts means that function must meet the expression of disposition and have the intention to realize the main purpose.Its physical and chemical structure supports the realization of function,and exclusive function is the reason why technical artifacts can be copied.This new theory can meet the four sufficiency criteria of the function theory,especially solving the difficult problem of distinguishing malfunction from loss of function.