Constant Factors and Hedgeless Hedges: On Heuristics and Biases Developmental Biology

Robert, Jason Scott (2002) Constant Factors and Hedgeless Hedges: On Heuristics and Biases Developmental Biology.

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Abstract

How does a complex organism develop from a relatively simple, homogeneous mass? The usual answer is: through the execution of species-specific genetic instructions specifying the development of that organism. Commentators are sometimes sceptical of this usual answer, but of course not all commentators. Some biologists refer to master control genes responsible for the activation of all the genes responsible for every aspect of organismal development; and some philosophers, most notoriously Rosenberg, buy this claim hook, line, and sinker. Here I explore both the seeming plausibility of the usual position, and also its ultimate inadequacy.

Keywords:Experimentation, Causation, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Research methodology
Conferences and Volumes:[2002] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 18th Biennial Mtg - PSA 2002: Contributed Papers (Milwaukee, WI; 2002): PSA 2002 Contributed Papers
ID Code:897
Deposited By:Program Committee,
Deposited On:22 November 2002