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Hierarchy, determinism, and specificity in theories of development and evolution
1Jacques Loeb Centre for the History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel. uted@post.bgu.ac.il.
History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
|October 18, 2017
Summary
This paper argues that molecular reductionism in biology is not obsolete. It proposes new interdisciplinary approaches combining genomics, embryology, and computer science for predictive biological research.
Area of Science:
- * Integrative Biology
- * Systems Biology
- * Genomics and Molecular Biology
Background:
- * Historical importance of hierarchical organization, genetic determinism, and biological specificity in modern experimental biology.
- * Foundational role of genetic information and determination in 1940s molecular biology, often characterized as 'reductionist'.
- * Shift in focus from the late 1960s towards systems approaches for complex biological structures and functions.
Observation:
- * The marginalization or rejection of traditional concepts like genetic determinism in some systems biology research.
- * A prevailing view that 'molecular reductionism' has been superseded by holism and collective behavior models.
- * Critique of the notion that systems approaches have fully replaced reductionist methodologies.
Findings:
- * Challenges the idea that holism has successfully replaced molecular reductionism in biology.
- * Proposes that 'reductionism' can be effectively replaced by interdisciplinary research frameworks.
- * Highlights the potential for integrating genomics, embryology, biochemistry, and computer science.
Implications:
- * Suggests a new paradigm for biological research that is both exact and causally predictive.
- * Advocates for a synthesis of diverse scientific fields to advance biological understanding.
- * Re-evaluates the role of reductionist principles within contemporary biological sciences.
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