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The Objectivity of Organizational Functions.
Samuel Cusimano1, Beckett Sterner2
1College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.
Acta Biotheoretica
|September 15, 2019
Summary
The organizational account of biological functions lacks objectivity because its "closure of constraints" can be arbitrarily redescribed. This challenges theories of biological autonomy, even for simple self-maintaining systems.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Theoretical Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- The organizational account of biological functions defines functions based on a system's "closure of constraints."
- This closure is posited as an objective feature distinguishing living organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critique the objectivity of the organizational account of biological functions.
- To examine the implications of this critique for theories of biological autonomy.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the "closure of constraints" principle.
- Case study analysis of self-maintaining systems (e.g., candle flames).
Main Results:
- The "closure of constraints" is shown to be subjective and dependent on investigator redescription.
- Self-maintaining systems, like candle flames, can exhibit functional organization, contradicting prior claims.
- The objectivity of the organizational account is undermined.
Conclusions:
- The organizational account of biological functions is not objectively grounded.
- Moreno and Mossio's theory of biological autonomy, reliant on this account, faces significant challenges.
- A re-evaluation of biological function and autonomy is necessary.
Keywords:
Biological autonomyBiological functionBiological individualityConstraintsFeed forward loopNetwork motifsMore Related Videos
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