Hueck, Christoph (2024) Empirical Vitalism – Observing an Organism’s Formative Power within an Active and Co-Constitutive Relation between Subject and Object. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This article proposes an empirical approach to understanding the life of an organism that overcomes reductionist and dualist approaches. The approach is based on Immanuel Kant’s analysis of the cognitive conditions required for the recognition of an organism: the concept of teleology and the assumption of a formative power of self-generation. It is analyzed how these two criteria are applied in the cognition of a developing organism. Using the example of a developmental series of a plant leaf, an active and relational process between observer and developing organism is shown, within which the teleology and self-generating power of the organism can be empirically observed through the mental faculties of understanding and will. Furthermore, it is emphasized that, according to Kant, even physical objects are not readily given, but are actively constituted through the unification of sense perceptions with concepts. This Kantian mode of objectification facilitates cognition of the physical properties of an organism. It can be supplemented with a participatory and co-constitutive mode of realization, in which the life of the organism (its teleologically organizing and self-generating power) can become an object of empirical research. Furthermore, it is argued that the participatory mode also facilitates an expanded conception of nature that allows for the existence of living beings within it. Finally, an analogy to Goethe’s approach to the living organism is highlighted. In summary, it is stated that to understand life, one must consciously participate in it.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Hueck, Christoph hueck@akanthos-akademie.de 0009-0008-2513-1919
Keywords:	Immanuel Kant; Autopoiesis; Objectification; Organic development; Participatory science, Goethe’s morphology
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology Specific Sciences > Biology > Function/Teleology General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Philosophers of Science General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Depositing User:	Dr. Christoph J. Hueck
Date Deposited:	13 Nov 2024 13:29
Last Modified:	13 Nov 2024 13:29
Item ID:	24166
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology Specific Sciences > Biology > Function/Teleology General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Philosophers of Science General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Date:	12 November 2024
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/24166

Available Versions of this Item

• Empirical Access to Life’s Teleological Forces via an Active and Co-Constitutive Relation between Subject and Object. (deposited 23 Apr 2024 06:33)

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