Abstract

VACCARI, Andrés. The artifact: Intentional structure or autonomous system?: The ontology of artifactual function under the light of intentionalism, dualism and the philosophy of Gilbert Simondon. Rev. iberoam. cienc. tecnol. soc. [online]. 2011, vol.7, n.19, pp.197-208. ISSN 1850-0013.

The present paper carries out a comparative analysis of the notion of function in analytical philosophy and the philosophy of technology of Gilbert Simondon. I examine the relationship between agency, intentionality, and the use andproduction of artifacts in both approaches. A striking feature of Simondon's approach is that he does not draw any real distinction between function and structure, a distinction that is central to artifact dualism. Finally, I examine the systemic theory of function developed by Cummins in the analytical side. This theory is considered quite compatible with Simondon's, and some productive conclusions can be drawn from their comparison.

Keywords : Function; Structure; Dualism; Simondon.

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