Abstract
This chapter explores aspects of functions in order to clarify the meaning of this concept in the overall context of technical artefacts. At the same time it will provide the background for the discussion of concepts of action and means-end relations presented in Parts IV and V.
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Notes
- 1.
Michael May is acknowledged for pointing out that the ascription of functions is only valid for technical artefacts or natural objects (including living systems) when used for a human purpose. The functions of genetically engineered biological systems have functions which are either immanent (by nature) or ascribed to them (by design). When immanent, the concept of function is based on evolutionary criteria. In design of e.g. a biochemical reactor, the functions ascribed to the biochemical processes is related to human intentions.
- 2.
Sommerhoff introduced the distinction between goal oriented and goal directed behavior in [1].
- 3.
Langkjær [3] has proposed the distinction used here between direct and derived needs.
- 4.
Quantitative expressions are not really necessary for understanding the distinction between device- and environment-centric functions. They are only included to satisfy readers familiar with equations. What matters here are the qualitative causal relations between the current and the voltage and the heat power which are implied by the equations.
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Lind, M. (2024). Aspects of Functions. In: Foundations for Functional Modeling of Technical Artefacts. Design Research Foundations. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-45918-4_7
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