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A third transition in science?
Stuart A Kauffman1, Andrea Roli2,3
1Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA.
Interface Focus
|April 17, 2023
Summary
The Newtonian paradigm, fundamental to physics, fails to explain evolving biospheres. Living systems create novel possibilities, defying mathematical prediction and requiring a new scientific framework beyond current paradigms.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Biology
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- Classical and quantum physics rely on the Newtonian paradigm, defining systems by fixed variables and predictable trajectories.
- This paradigm assumes a predefined, static phase space of all possibilities, which is fundamental to its mathematical framework.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the universality of the Newtonian paradigm.
- To explore the limitations of current scientific frameworks in explaining biological evolution and emergent novelty.
- To propose a shift towards understanding the inherent creativity of evolving biospheres.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the Newtonian paradigm and its assumptions.
- Comparison of deterministic physical systems with the emergent, adaptive nature of biological evolution.
- Critique of set theory and differential equations for modeling open-ended evolutionary processes.
Main Results:
- The Newtonian paradigm is inadequate for describing the diachronic evolution of novel adaptations in biospheres.
- Evolving biospheres generate new possibilities that cannot be defined or deduced in advance.
- Current mathematical frameworks based on set theory and differential equations cannot capture this emergent creativity.
Conclusions:
- Biospheres represent a fundamental departure from the Newtonian paradigm, necessitating a new scientific understanding.
- The emergent creativity of life signifies a major scientific transition beyond the 'all is number' principle.
- A theory of everything that predicts all existence is impossible due to the open-ended nature of biological evolution.
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