Adolf Portmann: A Thinker of Self-Expressive Life

This edited volume is the first specialized book in English about the Swiss zoologist and anthropologist Adolf Portmann (1897-1982). It provides a clarification and update of Portmanns theoretical approach to the phenomenon of life, characterized by terms such as "inwardness" and "self-presentation." Portmanns concepts of secondary altriciality and the social uterus have become foundational in philosophical anthropology, providing a benchmark of the difference between humans and animals. The book brings together two approaches: historical and philosophical analysis of Portmanns studies in the life sciences and application of Portmanns thought in the fields of biology, anthropology, and biosemiotics. It also includes a translation of an original essay by Portmann and a previously unpublished manuscript from his most remarkable English-speaking interpreter, philosopher Marjorie Grene.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 273 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This edited volume is a groundbreaking work in English on the Swiss zoologist and anthropologist Adolf Portmann (1897-1982). It offers a comprehensive clarification and update of Portmann's theoretical framework, characterized by terms like "inwardness" and "self-presentation." Portmann's concepts of secondary altriciality and the social uterus have become fundamental pillars in philosophical anthropology, setting a benchmark for distinguishing humans from animals.

In its rich content, this book combines two approaches: a historical and philosophical analysis of Portmann's studies in the life sciences and the application of his thought in the fields of biology, anthropology, and biosemiotics. It also delves into the methodological implications of his proposed reform of biology. The volume features contributions from contemporary biologists, philosophers, and historians of science, alongside a translation of an original essay by Portmann and a previously unpublished manuscript by his foremost English-speaking interpreter, philosopher Marjorie Grene.

Portmann's perspective on life is distinctive in its emphasis on the phenomenal appearance of organisms. In the face of the vast scientific knowledge being generated today, it becomes even more apparent that biology, while employing physical and chemical methods, is not solely limited to physics and chemistry. These precise methods must be applied in a way that aligns with the significance of living beings. If biology aims to understand organisms as autonomous agents, it must recognize the inherent importance of display and the interpretation of appearances as fundamental aspects of life.

The topic of this book holds immense relevance to the disciplines of theoretical biology, philosophy of biology, and anthropology. It provides a valuable resource for scholars and researchers seeking to delve deeper into Portmann's thought and its profound implications for understanding the nature of life and the human-animal divide.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030678128
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021