How Molecular is Molecular Developmental Biology?A Reply to Alex Rosenberg's Reductionism Redux:Computing the Embryo

Authors: Laubichler M.D.¹; Wagner G.P.²

Source: Biology and Philosophy, Volume 16, Number 1, January 2001 , pp. 53-68(16)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

This paper argues in defense of the anti-reductionist consensus in the philosophy of biology. More specifically, it takes issues with Alex Rosenberg's recent challenge of this position. We argue that the results of modern developmental genetics rather than eliminating the need for functional kinds in explanations of development actually reinforce their importance.

Keywords: molecular developmental biology; physicalist antireductionism; functional kinds

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Program in History of Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, U.S.A. 2: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, U.S.A.

Publication date: 2001-01-01