When Causal Specificity Does Not Matter (Much): Insights from HIV Treatment. Issue 4 (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neal, Jacob P.
• Is Part Of: Philosophy of science. Volume 86:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 836
• Page End: 846
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy; Science; Science -- Philosophy; Philosophie des sciences; Epistemology; Periodicals; 501
• DOI: 10.1086/705510
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-767X

Abstract

Abstract : Philosophers of biology generally agree that causal specificity tracks biological importance: more specific causes are more important. I argue that this correlation does not hold in much research aimed at biomedical intervention. Applying James Woodward's analysis of causal specificity to the development and design of HIV treatments, I show that drugs that are less causally specific produce better therapeutic outcomes and are more highly valued. Thus, I conclude that the importance of biological causes does not track their specificity but instead varies depending on the biological practice we consider and the goals of that practice.