Biological autonomy [electronic resource] : a philosophical and theoretical enquiry / Alvaro Moreno, Matteo Mossio.

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Biological autonomy [electronic resource] : a philosophical and theoretical enquiry / Alvaro Moreno, Matteo Mossio.

9789401798372 electronic book
9401798370 electronic book
9789401798365

Dordrecht : Springer, 2015.

English

1 online resource (xxxiv, 221 pages) : illustrations.

10.1007/978-94-017-9837-2 doi

QH331

570.1

Since Darwin, Biology has been framed on the idea of evolution by natural selection, which has profoundly influenced the scientific and philosophical comprehension of biological phenomena and of our place in Nature. This book argues that contemporary biology should progress towards and revolve around an even more fundamental idea, that of autonomy. Biological autonomy describes living organisms as organised systems, which are able to self-produce and self-maintain as integrated entities, to establish their own goals and norms, and to promote the conditions of their existence through their interactions with the environment. Topics covered in this book include organisation and biological emergence, organisms, agency, levels of autonomy, cognition, and a look at the historical dimension of autonomy. The current development of scientific investigations on autonomous organisation calls for a theoretical and philosophical analysis. This can contribute to the elaboration of an original understanding of life - including human life - on Earth, opening new perspectives and enabling fecund interactions with other existing theories and approaches. This book takes up the challenge.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

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Online resource; title from PDF title page (SpringerLink, viewed May 14, 2015).

History. philosophy and theory of the life sciences ; v. 12.

Print version: 9789401798365

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