Biological Complexity and Integrative Pluralism

by Sandra D. Mitchell

Overview

This collection of essays by a leading philosopher of science defends integrative pluralism as the best description for today's complexity of scientific inquiry. The tendency of some scientists to reduce all theories to a few fundamental laws of the most basic particles that populate our universe is not appropriate for the biological sciences, which study multi-component, multi-level, evolved complex systems. This book will be of interest to students and professionals in the philosophy of science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521520799
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/15/2003
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Biology
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	262
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.55(d)

Table of Contents

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