Reductionism as a scientific methodology has been extraordinarilysuccessful in biology. However, recent developments in molecularbiology have shown that reductionism is seriously inadequate indealing with the mind-boggling complexity of integrated biologicalsystems.
This title presents an appropriate balance between science andphilosophy and covers traditional philosophical treatments ofreductionism as well as the benefits and shortcomings ofreductionism in particular areas of science.
Discussing the issue of reductionism in the practice of medicine ittakes into account the holistic and integrative aspects thatrequire the context of the patient in his biological andpsychological entirety.
The emerging picture is that what first seems like hopelessdisagreements turn out to be differences in emphasis. Althoughgenes play an important role in biology, the focus on genetics andgenomics has often been misleading. The consensus view leads topluralism: both reductionst methods and a more integrative approachto biological complexity are required, depending on the questionsthat are asked.
* An even balance of contributions from scientists and philosophersof science - representing a unique interchange between bothcommunities interested in reductionism