Second thoughts about first principles in biology.

Area of Science:

• Theoretical Biology
• Biophysics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• First-principles approaches are foundational to biological theory, integrating physics and chemistry.
• These approaches often suffer from incomplete physical models or unexamined biological assumptions.
• Current debates on these theories prioritize prediction-data fit over explanatory power.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the limitations of current first-principles approaches in biology.
• To distinguish between prediction and explanation in the context of scientific theory.
• To outline criteria for the effective development of first-principles theories in biological sciences.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing first-principles theories in biology.
• Philosophical examination of the relationship between prediction, explanation, and theory validation.
• Identification of key components for robust theoretical frameworks in biology.

Main Results:

• A good fit between predictions and data is necessary but not sufficient for a sound biological theory.
• Incomplete physics or unverified biological assumptions compromise the validity of first-principles approaches.
• Effective biological theories require both predictive accuracy and explanatory depth grounded in complete principles.

Conclusions:

• First-principles approaches in biology are powerful but require rigorous validation of both their physical and biological components.
• Shifting focus from mere data fitting to genuine explanation is crucial for advancing biological theory.
• The ongoing challenge lies in identifying and integrating essential elements for comprehensive and effective first-principles biological models.