Biological Complexity and Integrative Pluralism

These essays by a leading philosopher of science present a defence of integrative pluralism.

Sandra D. Mitchell (Author)

9780521520799, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 15 September 2003

262 pages, 14 b/w illus. 5 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.36 kg

This fine collection of essays by a leading philosopher of science presents a defence of integrative pluralism as the best description for the complexity of scientific inquiry today. The tendency of some scientists to unify science by reducing all theories to a few fundamental laws of the most basic particles that populate our universe is ill-suited to the biological sciences, which study multi-component, multi-level, evolved complex systems. This integrative pluralism is the most efficient way to understand the different and complex processes - historical and interactive - that generate biological phenomena. This book will be of interest to students and professionals in the philosophy of science.

1. Introduction
Part I. Complexity: 2. Constitutive complexity
3. Dynamic complexity
4. Evolved diversity
Part II. Pluralism: 5. Laws
6. Pluralism or disunity.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of science [PDA]