Real patterns

Real Patterns is a philosophical concept introduced by Daniel Dennett in his 1991 paper of the same name.[1] The idea aims to reconcile realism with eliminative materialism by arguing that patterns in data can be considered real entities if they are useful in making predictions.

Key concepts

Predictive utility

The core of the idea is that a pattern is real if it has predictive utility. In other words, if recognizing a pattern allows for better predictions, then the pattern is real in a functional sense.[1]

Compression

Dennett also discusses the concept of data compression as a measure of the reality of a pattern. A pattern is more real if it allows for a more efficient encoding of information.

Levels of abstraction

Real Patterns can exist at multiple levels of abstraction, from quantum mechanics to social sciences. Dennett argues that the reality of a pattern is not confined to its lowest level of explanation.

Criticisms

The concept has been subject to various criticisms, including its vagueness and the potential for circular reasoning.

References
  1. Dennett, Daniel C. "Real Patterns". The Journal of Philosophy, vol. 88, no. 1, 1991, pp. 27–51.


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