Downward causes and appropriate abstractions: Alternative argument for Noble's position

Area of Science:

• Systems Biology
• Philosophy of Science
• Causality Studies

Background:

• Denis Noble's article posits that causation occurs across all natural scales.
• The author finds Noble's reasoning unconvincing but agrees with the conclusion.
• Existing frameworks may limit the understanding of complex causal interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an independent argument supporting causation across all scales.
• To explore the role of abstraction in understanding causal phenomena.
• To offer a new perspective on causal discourse within Systems Biology.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of causation and abstraction.
• Argumentation based on the process of identifying and understanding phenomena.
• Integration of systems biology principles.

Main Results:

• Causation is not restricted to hierarchical levels but spans all scales.
• Abstraction is a critical process in defining and comprehending causal relationships.
• A framework for discussing causality in Systems Biology is proposed.

Conclusions:

• The concept of scale is more appropriate than levels for discussing causation.
• Understanding abstraction is key to grasping complex causal networks.
• This work offers a novel approach to causal reasoning in biological systems.