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Stability of arbitrary structures. Its implications for heredity and evolution. Part I

¹Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin.

Rivista Di Biologia

|January 1, 1993

Summary

This study introduces reverse-reductionism, proposing that biological structures are arbitrary and can exist in multiple configurations. Evolution is seen as transformations between these configurations, guided by stable, hereditary structures.

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Area of Science:

Theoretical Biology
Philosophy of Science
Systems Biology

Background:

Traditional reductionist approaches in biology face limitations in explaining complex phenomena.
The concept of arbitrary structure, inspired by Saussurean linguistics, offers a new perspective.
Biological processes may be governed by underlying, invariant structures rather than solely by component interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose a novel framework for understanding biological processes through "reverse-reductionism."
To explore the implications of arbitrary and multiple structures in biological systems.
To reframe the understanding of evolution as a process of configurational transformation.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis drawing parallels between linguistics and biology.
Axiomatic reasoning on the nature of biological structure and its configurations.
Theoretical modeling of hereditary structures and their dynamic maintenance across generations.

Main Results:

Biological structures are not unique but potentially multiple and arbitrary.
Structures are invariant, while their configurations are subject to transformation.
Hereditary structures constrain biological processes and evolution dynamically.

Conclusions:

Reverse-reductionism offers an alternative to reductionism for reconstructing biology.
Evolution involves configurational transformations within stable, hereditary structures.
Emergent structures predetermine potential evolutionary pathways, with materialization being contingent.