Plasticity in the Life Sciences - by Antonine Nicoglou (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Since the early twentieth century, plasticity has become an important theoretical concept in biology. Some even wondered whether plasticity has acquired in biology the theoretical importance that the concept of the gene enjoyed at the beginning of the last century. In this historical and epistemological analysis, Antonine Nicoglou shows how the recurrence of the general idea of plasticity throughout the history of the life sciences indicates its essential role in the way we think about life processes. She also argues that although plasticity has become a key element in thinking about an "extended synthesis" in evolution, its role for contemporary biology is not so limited. Rather, as mobilized in contemporary biology, the concept of plasticity most often seeks to account for the specificity of living systems. The book is divided into two parts, with the first taking up the history of plasticity from Aristotle to contemporary biology. Then, the second part of the book offers an original way of distinguishing between different phenomena described by 'plasticity.' In the process, she explores what has led some biologists to speak of plasticity as a way of overcoming genetic determinism"--

Book Synopsis

Analyzes the reasons why biologists have referred to and continue to refer to plasticity.

Plasticity has become an important topic in biology, with some even wondering if it has now acquired the theoretical importance in biology that the concept of the gene enjoyed at the beginning of the last century. In this historical and epistemological study, philosopher Antonine Nicoglou shows how the recurrence of the general idea of plasticity--throughout the history of the life sciences--indicates its essential role in the way we think about life processes. Although plasticity has become a key element in new evolutionary thinking, she argues, its role in contemporary biology is also not insignificant. Rather, as mobilized in contemporary biology, plasticity most often seeks to account for the specific nature of living systems.

The book is divided into two parts. The first takes up the history of plasticity from Aristotle to contemporary biology; the second part offers an original way of distinguishing between different phenomena described by "plasticity." In the process, the author explores what has led some biologists to speak of plasticity as a way of overcoming genetic determinism.

Review Quotes

"Sometimes metaphorical, sometimes concrete, from Aristotle to the modern-day, plasticity concepts have been invoked in theories of embryology, heredity, and organismic change with a multitude of meanings implicit in the use. Philosopher Antonine Nicoglou systematically and expertly guides the reader through a long and complex story." -- "Choice"

"Philosophers of biology have been increasingly interested in the concept of plasticity in recent years, but a detailed philosophical treatment of the topic has yet to appear. Nicoglou's excellent book therefore fills a major need. Nicoglou traces the history of the concept of plasticity and its use in different biological disciplines from Aristotle to the present, bringing out a wide range of significant continuities and differences and illuminating the varying relation of plasticity to crucial concepts such as variation, diversity, novelty, adaptation, regulation, and more. As well as being an essential read for anyone interested in the lively contemporary discussions of plasticity, this is a fine example of the integrated historical and philosophical approach to understanding biology."--John Dupré, author of "Processes of Life: Essays in the Philosophy of Biology"

About the Author

Antonine Nicoglou is associate professor of philosophy of science at the University of Tours.