The Limits of Reductionism in Biology

About this book

This is a comprehensive volume examining the fundamental questions raised about levels of explanation of the reductionist programme. It evaluates the enormously powerful techniques of molecular biology, and analyses precisely how molecular information has improved our understanding of fundamental biological processes. Specific physiological systems are also discussed, in relation to the appropriateness of proving reductionism explanations. The area of brain and behaviour is given particularly close attention because of the large number of differing views held by scientists about whether an analytical and reductionist approach is even desirable.

Contents

Reductionism and Antireductionism (T. Nagel). Reductionism in Physical Sciences (R. Williams). Macromolecular Structure and Self-Assembly (R. Henderson). Reduction and Integration in Understanding the Heart (D. Noble). Muscle Contraction (K. Holmes). Reductionism and Explanation in Cell Biology (P. Nurse). Biological Computation (S. Brenner). Reductionism in Learning and Memory (W. Quinn). Hearing (J. Ashmore). The Nested Networks of Brains and Minds (H. Barlow). Genes, Environment and the Development of Behaviour (P. Bateson). What is Wrong with Reductionist Explanations of Behaviour? (S. Rose). Levels of Organization in Ecological Systems (R. May). The Units of Selection (J. Smith). Indexes.

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