Mechanism

From ResearchID.org

Scientifically, mechanisms are natural features that cause particular results. These features are typically a combination of phenomena that are material (e.g. atomic or subatomic), energetic (electromagnetic), immaterial (natural forces), or are processes (hydrologic cycle). The results of mechanisms could be a product (the outcome of a chemical reaction) or a “state of affairs” (an ecosystem). Mechanisms serve to answer questions about why a particular object or process occurred.

They are principally derived by thinking inductively back in time, utilizing the principles of uniformity and causality. The investigation proceeds from the result, backwards through a chain of causes involved in producing the result. For example, the phenomenon of water erosion in a river basin results from a process of material and immaterial features. The flow of water in a river, caused by gravity (immaterial), carries away soil particles (material) from the bank and bed of a river.

Another principle means of distinguishing mechanisms is by repeating the event. By duplicating the results, likely initial components involved in the event can be distinguished.

In the broadest terms, science explores mechanisms by a repeated application of the scientific method. The scientist observes a phenomenon, develops hypotheses, tests them by controlled empirical experimentation, and obtains conclusions from experimental results that validate, negate, or revise the initial hypotheses. Alternatively, a scientist can attempt to falsify a hypothesis by experimentally showing that the proposed mechanism does not suffice as a sufficient explanation.

Philosophically, a mechanistic view of the universe is one in which all phenomena can be explained by physical or material causes alone. Inherently, this philosophical view assumes that the universe is literally a machine. Biologically, a mechanistic view posits that all aspects of life, including its origin, are based in some way on the same physical laws that operate in the inorganic world.

For a discussion on how intelligent design relates to the scientific idea of a mechanism, see ID-actualization.