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Embracing complexity: organicism for the 21st century
1Department of Biology, Martin Laboratories of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081, USA. sgilber1@swarthmore.edu
Summary
Organicism, a philosophical approach emphasizing holistic development, influenced early embryology. Despite its decline due to genetic reductionism, this essay argues for its renewed value in understanding emerging complexity in developmental biology.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Philosophy of Science
- History of Science
Background:
- Organicism, or materialistic holism, has historically underpinned embryology since Kant.
- Key figures in developmental mechanics, including Hertwig, Spemann, and Waddington, recognized its significance.
- Principles of organicism persist in contemporary developmental biology but are often unacknowledged.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define organicism and trace its historical importance in experimental embryology.
- To explore sociological factors contributing to the decline of organicism in research.
- To re-evaluate and document the value of organicism in modern developmental biology.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of philosophical and scientific literature.
- Sociological examination of research trends and community adoption of concepts.
- Conceptual re-evaluation of organicism's principles for contemporary application.
Main Results:
- Organicism's foundational role in embryology is detailed, highlighting its influence on pioneers.
- Genetic reductionism and misappropriation of holism by non-scientific groups have devalued organicism.
- The essay demonstrates the continued relevance of organicism for understanding complex biological systems.
Conclusions:
- Organicism offers a valuable heuristic for developmental biology research.
- Developmental biology should embrace organicism to study emerging complexity.
- Adopting organicism may necessitate advanced mathematical skills, such as calculus.