The Human Genome Project: has blind reductionism gone too far?
Article Abstract:
The relevance of the Human Genome Project (HGP) has been the subject of debate and division in the scientific community. Proponents focused on the scientific merits of comprehensive genetic sequencing while opposition questioned the validity of such claims and emphasized the limitations of blind sequencing which is the ultimate aim of the program. The latter's arguments are based on the fact that HGP is a product of reductionism in molecular biology which limits the explanation of biological systems to the DNA alone and thus may not yield new information vital to understanding of biological functions.
Publication Name: Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0031-5982
Year: 1992
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Goethe's philosophy of science: modern resonances
Article Abstract:
Poet and scientistJohann Wolfgang von Goethe typifies one with a holistic orientation in science.His work in botany, 'Metamorphosis of Plants,' seeks to understand the classification, variation and development of plants based on an ideal structure, which he believed was the leaf. Goethe's work in physics, 'Contributions to Optics' and 'A Theory of Colors,' also exemplified his holistic approach in studying phenomena.
Publication Name: Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0031-5982
Year: 1993
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Reductionism and variability in data: a meta-analysis
Article Abstract:
As a consequence of the great success of reductionism, Western scientists adhering to a particularly reductive approach view integrative disciplines hegemonistically. Some variability in data is expected by reductionism. Chaos theory poses a serious challenge to the reductive approach. A meta-analysis has been carried out to examine whether variability decreases in more reductionist approaches.
Publication Name: Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0031-5982
Year: 1996
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