This collection of essays investigates the foundational question of what constitutes a function within the biological and psychological sciences. The editors, Andre Ariew, Mark Perlman, and Robert Cummins, curate a series of original contributions from fifteen prominent scholars to address the conceptual ambiguity surrounding functional explanations. By examining how scientists attribute purpose to natural systems, the authors provide a rigorous framework for understanding the role of teleology in modern scientific inquiry.

Experts recognize this volume as a significant contribution to the philosophy of science, specifically regarding the intersection of biology and psychology. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, making it a primary resource for researchers and graduate students in the field.