Additionally, however, the use of artifacts is subject to judgments that relate directly to the particular function of the artifact. For instance, one may say that it is wrong to use a Phillips screwdriver to open a paint can. Assuming that the attempt to open the can is itself perfectly in order, the wrong here is not morally wrong but instrumentally or functionally wrong: Using the Phillips screwdriver will not smoothly lead to the desired outcome. Typical for artifact use, such judgments may be translated, so to speak, to the artifacts themselves. An artifact is said to perform its function well or to function poorly or to malfunction. One can also say that a particular artifact, in the prevailing circumstances, ought to do such-and-such a thing. Even natural objects can, in a context of use, be subject to such judgments, for instance when one says that a particular stone is a good stone to use as a hammer.
Functions
The use of the term function in the previous paragraphs sets aside a considerable philosophical debate about the meaning of functions, one that has taken place largely in relation to the analysis of functions in biology (the function of the heart is to pump blood) and the social sciences (the function of religion is to create social cohesion).
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