# Transcript ## [[Philosophy of Technology]] Class Notes ## Evolutionary Theories of Function ### Introduction - Review of [[proper function]] concept - [[Proper function]]: the most important things an object is expected to do - Example: Functional bottle is expected to hold liquid ### Mobile Phones as an Example - [[Proper function]] of mobile phones: - Storage unit for applications - Making calls - Turning on ### Analogous Objects to Mobile Phones - Tool boxes: contain multiple functions - Shed: storage for various tools/items ### Malfunctioning vs. Alternate Use - An object can malfunction but still be used for other purposes - Example: Broken bottle can be used for throwing, even if it can't hold liquid - Distinction between [[proper function]] and accidental use ## Theories of [[Proper Function]] ### Intentionalist Theory - Function determined by the intentions of the creator/designer - Example: Object designed to make something with sticks and nails ### Evolutionary Theory of Function - Applies to biological entities - Example: Heart's function not intended by a creator, but evolved #### Examples of Evolutionary Function 1. Giraffe's Long Neck - Function: Reach higher leaves - Evolutionary explanation: Giraffes with longer necks had better survival chances, passed on genes 2. Wings - Function: Flying - Evolutionary explanation: Animals developing wings avoided predators, increased survival chances 3. Camouflage - Function: Blending with environment - Evolutionary explanation: Animals with better camouflage survived longer, reproduced more ### Millikan's Theory of [[Proper Function]] - [[Proper function]] exists if: - In the recent past, ancestors were successful in meeting needs/wants in the marketplace - This success led to the manufacture and distribution of the item ### Comparison of Theories - Intentionalist vs. Evolutionary: - Intentionalist: Function from creator's intention - Evolutionary: Function from marketplace needs/success ### Multiple Functions - Objects can have [[more than]] one [[proper function]] - Example: Aspirin - Original function: Pain relief - Additional function: Blood thinning (heart attack prevention) ### [[Phantom Functions]] - Functions that don't actually work but are believed to - Examples: - Lucky charms - Religious artifacts (e.g., communion wafers) - Challenges evolutionary accounts of function ### Complications in Function Theory - Unconscious intentions - Psychotherapy revealing hidden motivations ## Criteria for Theories of [[Proper Function]] (Preston) 1. Maintain distinction between types and tokens 2. Account for malfunction 3. Explain relationship between [[physical structure]] and function 4. Allow for description of proper functions in novel artifacts or prototypes ### Novelty and Innovation - Discussion on what constitutes a truly new artifact - Examples of innovation: - Steam engine - Large [[language models]] (e.g., ChatGPT) - Debate on whether innovations are truly new or iterations of existing technologies ### Discovery vs. Invention - Suggestion that some innovations are discoveries of existing properties rather than inventions - Example: Aspirin's blood-thinning properties as a discovery ## Administrative Notes - Next class: More on Preston's ideas and Marigold Beer example - Upcoming topic: Philosophical writing and the function of paragraphs - Exercise on paragraphs planned for next session