Philosophical Foundations for Systems Biology
PSBio is a Nordic research project in the Philosophy of Science funded by NOS-HS and hosted by the Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas at the University of Oslo.
About the project
The project covers three main themes:
- Systems and Parts: we will investigate the ontology of systems, and how the relation between properties of systems and those of their parts are to be understood.
- Levels and Causes: we will explore the relation between scientific levels, reduction, emergence, and downward causation in systems biology. We will also focus on the role of genes in the new discipline.
- Methods and Epistemological Issues: the particular use of models and simulations in systems biology will be scrutinized.
The project is scheduled to take place October 2009 – October 2013 and the core group of people consists of Gry Oftedal (Oslo), Anders Strand (Oslo), Claus Emmeche (Copenhagen), and Matti Sintonen (Helsinki).
Outcomes
The outcome will aim at conceptual and theoretical development produced in interaction between philosophy and the science itself, resulting in philosophical foundations that aims to have a normative impact for the future direction and focus of systems biology. The project is carried out in close collaboration with national, Nordic and international research communities.
Objectives