What things count as individuals, and how do we individuate them? It is a classic philosophical question often tackled from the perspective of analytic metaphysics. This volume proposes that there is another channel by which to approach individuation -- from that of scientific practices. From this perspective, the question then becomes: How do scientists individuate things and, therefore, count them as individuals?
This volume collects the work of philosophers of science to engage with this central philosophical conundrum from a new angle, highlighting the crucial topic of experimental individuation and building upon recent, pioneering work in the philosophy of science. An introductory chapter foregrounds the problem of individuation, arguing it should be considered prior to the topic of individuality. The following chapters address individuation and individuality from a variety of perspectives, with prominent themes being the importance of experimentation, individuation as a process, and pluralism in individuation's criteria. Contributions examine individuation in a wide range of sciences, including stem cell biology, particle physics, and community ecology. Other chapters examine the metaphysics of individuation, its bearing on realism/antirealism debates, and interrogate epistemic aspects of individuation in scientific practice.
In exploring individuation from the philosophy of biology, physics, and other scientific subjects, this volume ultimately argues for the possibility of several criteria of individuation, upending the tenets of traditional metaphysics. It provides insights for philosophers of science, but also for scientists interested in the conceptual foundations of their work.
Industry Reviews
"...this is an important volume full of excellent contributions." -- Derek Skillings, Metascience
"This book is a testament not just to the philosophical complexity of such questions, but also to the relevance of such questions for doing good science, and hence, for doing good philosophy of science." -- James D. Grayot, Metapsychology Online Reviews
"I recommend this book for philosophers of all sciences as a touchstone for the individuality debate's past and future directions ... it does the tough work of opening the possibility space for how to move forward, while at the same time identifying what might need to be left behind." -- Alison K. McConwell, History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
"The volume entices one to read from cover to cover and is likely to serve as a cornerstone reference for future work on individuation in the philosophy and history of science." -- Janella Baxter, Acta Biotheoretica
"The breadth and depth with which this volume addresses questions of individuality is truly impressive. Each chapter makes a fascinating contribution to ongoing debates in the philosophical literature ... The volume entices one to read from cover to cover and is likely to serve as a cornerstone reference for future work on individuation in the philosophy and history of science." -- Janella Baxter, Acta Biotheoretica
