William Bechtel (born 1951) is an emeritus professor of philosophy in the Department of Philosophy and the Science Studies Program at the University of California, San Diego.
Bechtel earned his PhD from the University of Chicago and his BA from Kenyon College.
In particular, he has worked on cell biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and cognitive science.
Bechtel advocates a mechanistic approach to philosophy of science, taking the view that phenomena are often explained by specifying mechanisms.
He argues that although this is more naturally in accordance with the actual methodology of life scientists, it contrasts with the traditional model of deduction from laws supported by mainstream philosophy of science.