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A Unifying Theory of Biological Function.

J H van Hateren1

  • 1Johann Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Biological Theory
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PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A novel theory explains biological functions by integrating evolutionary history and current system capacities. It proposes functions possess autonomous causal efficacy, supported by internal processes mimicking organism fitness.

Keywords:
AgencyEvolutionFunctionGoal-directednessNormativity

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Biology
  • Theoretical Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Existing theories of biological function include etiological (selected effects) and causal role theories.
  • Etiological theories focus on evolutionary history, while causal role theories emphasize current system capacities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a new theory that naturalizes biological function.
  • To unify key concepts from etiological and causal role theories.
  • To explain how biological functions can possess autonomous causal efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • The proposed theory integrates evolutionary and current system perspectives on function.
  • It posits internal physiological or neural processes that mimic organism fitness.
  • These internal processes modulate organism variability and monitor specific functions.

Main Results:

  • The new theory successfully unifies aspects of prior functional theories.
  • It provides a framework for understanding goal-directedness and normativity of functions.
  • The theory aligns with previously identified intuitions about biological functions.

Conclusions:

  • This new theory offers a comprehensive account of biological function with autonomous causal efficacy.
  • It provides a robust model for understanding biological goal-directedness and normativity.
  • The theory's internal mechanisms offer a testable framework for future research.