Biological Identity: Perspectives from Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Biology

Analytic metaphysics has recently found biology to ground metaphysical theories, but this conflicts with philosophers of biology who view biological identity as a deep puzzle. This volume explores the tension between metaphysics and biology, presenting essays by experts in metaphysics, philosophy of biology, and biology to dissolve it and provide a convincing account of biological identity that is both metaphysically constructive and scientifically informed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Analytic metaphysics has recently embraced biology as a tool for grounding metaphysical theories, leading to a renewed interest in long-standing metaphysical puzzles such as personal identity and material constitution. This development, however, stands in stark contrast to the growing tendency among philosophers of biology to view biological identity as a profound puzzle in its own right, particularly in light of recent advancements in our understanding of symbiosis, the evolution of multi-cellular organisms, and the inherently dynamic nature of living systems. Moreover, the broadly substance ontological framework of metaphysical theories of biological identity has come under scrutiny from philosophers of biology who favor process ontology.

In response to this tension, this volume presents a collection of essays exclusively dedicated to biological identity, authored by experts in metaphysics, the philosophy of biology, and biology. Through a cross-disciplinary dialogue, the volume aims to dissolve this tension and pave the way for a convincing account of biological identity that is both metaphysically robust and scientifically informed. The resulting cross-disciplinary exchange will be of interest to metaphysicians, philosophers of biology, and theoretical biologists alike.

The first essay in the volume explores the metaphysical implications of biological evolution, arguing that the process of natural selection shapes not only the physical structures of organisms but also their cognitive capacities and moral values. The author suggests that a metaphysical theory of biological identity should account for the interdependence of organisms and their environments, as well as the role of natural selection in shaping the evolution of biological systems.

The second essay examines the concept of personal identity from a biological perspective, exploring the role of DNA, genetics, and epigenetics in shaping individual identity. The author argues that personal identity is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic process that is shaped by environmental factors and genetic predispositions. The essay also discusses the challenges of defining and maintaining personal identity in the face of technological advancements and the increasing blurring of boundaries between individuals and their digital identities.

The third essay explores the relationship between biological identity and the concept of consciousness. The author argues that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of biological identity, as it allows organisms to perceive and interact with their environments. The essay also discusses the challenges of explaining consciousness in terms of physical processes and the role of subjective experience in shaping our understanding of consciousness.

The fourth essay examines the metaphysical implications of the emergence of life from non-living matter. The author argues that the process of evolution provides a natural explanation for the emergence of life and that a metaphysical theory of biological identity should account for the complexity and diversity of life forms. The essay also discusses the ethical implications of the emergence of life and the responsibility we have to protect and preserve the natural world.

The fifth essay explores the metaphysical implications of the concept of symbiosis, particularly in the context of human-animal relationships. The author argues that symbiosis is a fundamental aspect of biological identity, as it allows organisms to cooperate and thrive in complex environments. The essay also discusses the challenges of defining and maintaining symbiotic relationships and the ethical implications of our interactions with other species.

The sixth essay examines the metaphysical implications of the concept of multicellularity, particularly in the context of the evolution of complex organisms. The author argues that multicellularity is a key milestone in the evolution of life and that a metaphysical theory of biological identity should account for the emergence of multicellularity and the complexity of multicellular organisms. The essay also discusses the challenges of explaining multicellularity in terms of physical processes and the role of genetic inheritance in shaping the evolution of multicellular systems.

The seventh essay explores the metaphysical implications of the concept of evolution, particularly in the context of the emergence of new species and the extinction of others. The author argues that evolution is a natural process that shapes the diversity and complexity of life on Earth and that a metaphysical theory of biological identity should account for the mechanisms of evolution and the role of natural selection in shaping the evolution of biological systems. The essay also discusses the ethical implications of evolution and the responsibility we have to preserve and protect the natural world.

In conclusion, this volume presents a comprehensive exploration of the metaphysical implications of biological identity, authored by experts in metaphysics, the philosophy of biology, and biology. Through a cross-disciplinary dialogue, the volume aims to dissolve the tension between metaphysics and biology and pave the way for a convincing account of biological identity that is both metaphysically robust and scientifically informed. The resulting cross-disciplinary exchange will be of interest to metaphysicians, philosophers of biology, and theoretical biologists alike.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367495039