Metaphysics of Biology

The metaphysics of biology is an introduction to the nature of the living world, exploring philosophical questions such as the reduction of biological systems to their physical parts, causation and laws of nature, and the nature of biological kinds. It also offers an understanding of important biological entities, drawing on the earlier discussions. The book argues for a view of living systems as processes rather than things or substances, grounded in our best scientific knowledge.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 75 pages
\n Publication date: 03 June 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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This Element serves as an introduction to the metaphysics of biology, providing a comprehensive overview of the nature of the living world. The first part delves into philosophical inquiries, exploring whether biological systems can be reduced to the characteristics of their physical components, the existence and principles of causation, the distinction between substantialist and processualist accounts of life, and the nature of biological kinds. The second half of the Element offers an understanding of significant biological entities, building upon the earlier discussions. While this division is presented for illustrative purposes, it should not be taken too seriously, as the topics in both parts are intricately interconnected. While this work does not purport to be a scientific endeavor, it is firmly grounded in our best scientific knowledge. It serves as an exercise in naturalistic metaphysics, with a unique perspective that emphasizes the view of living systems as processes rather than things or, in technical philosophical terms, substances.

The Element begins by considering the reductionist approach, which posits that biological systems can be explained by examining their physical components. However, the author challenges this viewpoint by arguing that living systems are not merely the sum of their parts but rather involve complex interactions and processes that cannot be reduced to individual components. This perspective highlights the importance of studying the whole rather than just the parts and emphasizes the need for a more holistic understanding of biology.

The author then explores the concept of causation in biology, discussing the different types of causation that exist and the challenges associated with understanding them. They argue that causation in biology is not straightforward and that it involves multiple factors, including genetic inheritance, environmental influences, and the interactions between organisms. The author also discusses the role of laws of nature in biology, highlighting the importance of understanding these laws in order to explain the behavior of living systems.

Substantialist and processualist accounts of life are also explored in the Element. The substantialist account posits that living systems are composed of fundamental particles or substances, while the processualist account emphasizes the importance of processes and interactions in the formation and development of living systems. The author argues that both accounts have their strengths and weaknesses and that a more comprehensive understanding of biology requires a combination of both perspectives.

The nature of biological kinds is another topic that is discussed in the Element. The author argues that biological kinds are not fixed or universal but rather are defined by their characteristics and relationships with other organisms. They highlight the importance of studying biological kinds in order to understand the diversity and complexity of the living world.

In the second half of the Element, the author focuses on understanding important biological entities, drawing on the discussions in the first part. They discuss the cell, the organism, and the ecosystem, highlighting the unique characteristics and processes that define each of these entities. The author also discusses the relationship between these entities, emphasizing the importance of studying the interactions and feedback loops that exist within ecosystems.

Throughout the Element, the author emphasizes the importance of a naturalistic approach to metaphysics. They argue that living systems should be studied in the context of their natural environment and that metaphysical questions should be approached from a scientific perspective. The author also discusses the limitations of current scientific knowledge and the need for further research in order to better understand the nature of the living world.

In conclusion, this Element serves as an introduction to the metaphysics of biology, providing a comprehensive overview of the nature of the living world. The first part explores philosophical inquiries, challenging reductionist approaches and discussing the concept of causation, laws of nature, substantialist and processualist accounts of life, and the nature of biological kinds. The second half offers an understanding of important biological entities, drawing on the earlier discussions. The author emphasizes the importance of a naturalistic approach to metaphysics and the need for further research in order to better understand the nature of the living world.

\n Weight: 144g\n
Dimension: 151 x 226 x 11 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781009011105\n \n