“Molecular Biology”—Pleonasm or Denotation for a Discipline of Its Own? Reflections on the Origins of Molecular Biology and Its Situation Today

Author:

Greslehner Gregor P.1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Philosophy, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Abstract

The disciplinary identity of molecular biology has frequently been called into question. Although the debates might sometimes have been more about creating or debunking myths, defending intellectual territory and the distribution of resources, there are interesting underlying questions about this area of biology and how it is conceptually organized. By looking at the history of molecular biology, its origins and development, I examine the possible criteria for its status as a scientific discipline. Doing so allows us to answer the title question in such a way that offers a reasonable middle ground, where molecular biology can be properly viewed as a viable interdisciplinary program that can very well be called a discipline in its own right, even if no strict boundaries can be established. In addition to this historical analysis, a couple of systematic issues from a philosophy of science perspective allow for some assessment of the current situation and the future of molecular biology.

Funder

University of Vienna

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Molecular Biology,Biochemistry

Reference93 articles.

1. William Bateson, the Rediscoverer of Mendel;Keynes;J. R. Soc. Med.,2008

2. Chargaff, E. (1981). Unbegreifliches Geheimnis: Wissenschaft Als Kampf Für Und Gegen Die Natur, Klett-Cotta. [2nd ed.].

3. How Can History of Science Matter to Scientists?;Maienschein;Isis,2008

4. Wuketits, F.M. (1983). Biologische Erkenntnis: Grundlagen und Probleme, Fischer.

5. Nachtigall, W. (1972). Biologische Forschung: Aspekte, Argumente, Aussagen, Quelle & Meyer.

Cited by 1 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3