{"id":{"repo_id":"mit","oai_identifier":"oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/37419"},"canonical_url":"https://search.dev.ndltd.org/etd/mit/oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/37419","repository":{"repo_id":"mit","name":"MIT","base_url":"https://dspace.mit.edu/oai/request"},"display":{"title":"Some ways that a thing can go wrong : malfunctions, disorders and perversions","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.","abstract_html":""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.","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Bach-y-Rita, Peter"],"institution":"Massachusetts Institute of Technology","degree_name":null,"degree_level":null,"degree_discipline":null,"degree_department":"Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 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