In this Book
- Above the Gene, Beyond Biology: Toward a Philosophy of Epigenetics
- Book
- 2018
- Published by: University of Pittsburgh Press
summary
Epigenetics is currently one of the fastest-growing fields in the sciences. Epigenetic information not only controls DNA expression but links genetic factors with the environmental experiences that influence the traits and characteristics of an individual. What we eat, where we work, and how we live affects not only the activity of our genes but that of our offspring as well. This discovery has imposed a revolutionary theoretical shift on modern biology, especially on evolutionary theory. It has helped to uncover the developmental processes leading to cancer, obesity, schizophrenia, alcoholism, and aging, and to facilitate associated medial applications such as stem cell therapy and cloning.
Above the Gene, Beyond Biology explores how biologists in this booming field investigate and explain living systems. Jan Baedke offers the first comprehensive philosophical discussion of epigenetic concepts, explanations, and methodologies so that we can better understand this “epigenetic turn” in the life sciences from a philosophical perspective.
Above the Gene, Beyond Biology explores how biologists in this booming field investigate and explain living systems. Jan Baedke offers the first comprehensive philosophical discussion of epigenetic concepts, explanations, and methodologies so that we can better understand this “epigenetic turn” in the life sciences from a philosophical perspective.
Table of Contents
Download Full Book
- Title Page, Copyright Page
- pp. i-viii
- Acknowledgments
- pp. xi-xiv
- 3. Causal Explanation
- pp. 90-128
- 4. Mechanistic Explanation
- pp. 129-167
- Conclusion. A Philosophy of Epigenetics
- pp. 201-216
- References
- pp. 245-300
Additional Information
ISBN
9780822983408
Related ISBN(s)
9780822945215
MARC Record
OCLC
1037272654
Pages
327
Launched on MUSE
2018-06-07
Language
English
Open Access
No
Copyright
2018