Some ways that a thing can go wrong : malfunctions, disorders and perversions
Name
123083842-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
4.07 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
07b1656a114ab6dab2db6486c3f39f6c
Author(s)
Bach-y-Rita, Peter
Advisor(s)
Judith Jarvis Thomson.
Date Issued
2006
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
"Selection and Artifacts" is about how artifacts acquire functions. According to Karen Neander, the function of an artifact is the purpose for which it is designed or built. But I argue that in order for an artifact to have some function its parts and properties must also have been properly selected. "Defining 'Disorder"' examines the conceptual analysis of medical disorder. I defend and develop the idea that a medical disorder is a harmful malfunction. "Teleological Theories of Sexual Perversion" examines attempts to analyze sexual perversion in terms of the biological goal of sex or the functions of sexual organs and psychological mechanisms. I argue that teleological theories are false, and defend the view that sexual perversion is excessive, and therefore unwarranted, sexual attraction, especially sexual attraction to that which is disgusting.
Description
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Linguistics and Philosophy, 2006.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-77).
Subjects
Linguistics and Philosophy.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Linguistics and Philosophy
Terms of Use
M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
Persistent DSpace Link
