Grandy, Richard E.2009-06-032009-06-032008O'Neal, John Alexander. "The web of reality: Mechanisms of complexity & the metaphysics of levels." (2008) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/22246">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/22246</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/22246This dissertation examines the potential relations between the objects and processes different sciences study. It examines the history, motivations, and analytical consequences of the thesis that individual sciences (such as physics, biology, and psychology) essentially pick out and describe different 'levels' of reality. It argues against the notion that there are different levels of reality that divide empirical domains of enquiry from one another. It proposes an alternate, more fluid, conception of scientific boundaries based upon patterns of causation and spatio-temporal contexts.213 p.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.PhilosophyThesisTHESIS PHIL. 2008 O'NEAL