Biochemical Functions Biochemical functions Here, I explore functional attribution to biochemical molecules. If we accept this attribution, biochemical functions are dispositional properties that causally contribute to selected biological traits or processes. First, I illustrate contemporary views regarding biological functions. Then, I consider whether they are suitable for biochemical functions exemplifying the account with vitamin B12 As it results, none of the theories is adequate to characterise them, neither from a semantic nor from an ontological perspective. As a positive proposal, I present an account of biochemical functions. Lastly, I assess the view considering common requirements for a theory of functions and an objection. https: // metascience.xyz Requirements and problems Conclusions The problem of function Evolutionary accounts of functions Biochemical functions and B12 Combined approach Requirements: - functions vs accidents - explanatory power - normativity Problem: liberality - biochemical functions and biochemical kinds A biochemical function consists in a specific set of dispositional properties that causally contribute to life processes. What: specific chemical reactions Why: the evolutionary history of the traits or features involved in the relevant subsystems. Biochemical functions are chemical dispositional properties that manifest in processes or within traits that have been selected Case for unity? Function-talk seems to be something that differentiates chemistry and physics from the life sciences. What about biochemical functions? Bartol: biochemical functions are evolutionary functions Strong etiological theory Weak etiological theory Generalised selected effect Biological advantage B12 has hematopoietic function Two arguments against evolutionary account of biochemical functions: semantic argument ontological argument 1. 2. Francesca Bellazzi