Mechanisms Versus Causes in Biology and Medicine

Biologists use knowledge of mechanisms for explanation, prediction, and control. Philosophers of biology, working in the new mechanistic philosophy of science, have identified features of an adequate description of a biological mechanism. The very abstract schema term “cause” may refer to any of various components of a mechanism, or even conditions needed for it to operate. A case study of the disease cystic fibrosis illustrates the advantages (and complexities) of identifying the various stages of the relevant mechanisms. Such knowledge is more useful than merely claiming that a mutation in the CFTR gene causes the disease, given the goals of explanation, prediction, and control of disease symptoms. Knowledge of “mechanism produces phenomenon” is often much more useful for explanation, prediction, and control than “C causes E.”