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Foundational issues of network models in biology
1Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via Dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy. danilo.bondi@unich.it.
Biological Cybernetics
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Network models in biology lack philosophical grounding. This study advocates for a holistic, relational approach, viewing organisms as cybernetic systems, resolving debates through epistemic humility.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Systems Biology
- Integrative Physiology
Background:
- Network models are increasingly prevalent in biological and medical research.
- The philosophical underpinnings of these network constructs are not well-examined.
- Existing critiques include agentless theory, relational ontologies, and cybernetic perspectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the philosophical foundations of network models in biology and physiology.
- To advocate for a holistic approach and relational epistemology in biological research.
- To address the pervasive influence of network concepts in contemporary society and their application in biology.
Main Methods:
- Critique of agentless theory, relational ontologies, and cybernetic perspectives.
- Discussion of minimal cognition, tinkering, and stigmergy.
- Philosophical argumentation concerning graph and relational models.
Main Results:
- Identified the network as a dominant societal meme influencing biological and physiological research.
- Argued for the necessity of a holistic approach and relational epistemology.
- Proposed viewing the person as a relational cybernetic organism.
Conclusions:
- Philosophical debates surrounding graph and relational models in biology can be resolved.
- Embracing epistemic humility is key to advancing the understanding of network models in biology.
- A relational, holistic perspective is crucial for contemporary biological and physiological research.
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