Vital Forces, Teleology and Organization

Philosophy of Nature and the Rise of Biology in Germany

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Reference, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, History
Cover of the book Vital Forces, Teleology and Organization by Andrea Gambarotto, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Andrea Gambarotto ISBN: 9783319654157
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: October 3, 2017
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Andrea Gambarotto
ISBN: 9783319654157
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: October 3, 2017
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This book offers a comprehensive account of vitalism and the Romantic philosophy of nature. The author explores the rise of biology as a unified science in Germany by reconstructing the history of the notion of “vital force,” starting from the mid-eighteenth through the early nineteenth century. Further, he argues that Romantic Naturphilosophie played a crucial role in the rise of biology in Germany, especially thanks to its treatment of teleology. In fact, both post-Kantian philosophers and naturalists were guided by teleological principles in defining the object of biological research.

The book begins by considering the problem of generation, focusing on the debate over the notion of “formative force.” Readers are invited to engage with the epistemological status of this formative force, i.e. the question of the principle behind organization. The second chapter provides a reconstruction of the physiology of vital forces as it was elaborated in the mid- to late-eighteenth century by the group of physicians and naturalists known as the “Göttingen School.” Readers are shown how these authors developed an understanding of the animal kingdom as a graded series of organisms with increasing functional complexity.

Chapter three tracks the development of such framework in Romantic Naturphilosophie. The author introduces the reader to the problem of classification, showing how Romantic philosophers of nature regarded classification as articulated by a unified plan that connects all living forms with one another, relying on the idea of living nature as a universal organism. In the closing chapter, this analysis shows how the three instances of pre-biological discourse on living beings – theory of generation, physiology and natural history – converged to form the consolidated disciplinary matrix of a general biology.

The book offers an insightful read for all scholars interested in classical German philosophy, especially those researching the philosophy of nature, as well as the history and philosophy of biology.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book offers a comprehensive account of vitalism and the Romantic philosophy of nature. The author explores the rise of biology as a unified science in Germany by reconstructing the history of the notion of “vital force,” starting from the mid-eighteenth through the early nineteenth century. Further, he argues that Romantic Naturphilosophie played a crucial role in the rise of biology in Germany, especially thanks to its treatment of teleology. In fact, both post-Kantian philosophers and naturalists were guided by teleological principles in defining the object of biological research.

The book begins by considering the problem of generation, focusing on the debate over the notion of “formative force.” Readers are invited to engage with the epistemological status of this formative force, i.e. the question of the principle behind organization. The second chapter provides a reconstruction of the physiology of vital forces as it was elaborated in the mid- to late-eighteenth century by the group of physicians and naturalists known as the “Göttingen School.” Readers are shown how these authors developed an understanding of the animal kingdom as a graded series of organisms with increasing functional complexity.

Chapter three tracks the development of such framework in Romantic Naturphilosophie. The author introduces the reader to the problem of classification, showing how Romantic philosophers of nature regarded classification as articulated by a unified plan that connects all living forms with one another, relying on the idea of living nature as a universal organism. In the closing chapter, this analysis shows how the three instances of pre-biological discourse on living beings – theory of generation, physiology and natural history – converged to form the consolidated disciplinary matrix of a general biology.

The book offers an insightful read for all scholars interested in classical German philosophy, especially those researching the philosophy of nature, as well as the history and philosophy of biology.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Homo- and Heterobimetallic Complexes in Catalysis by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Multiple Classifier Systems by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Digital Echoes by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Strategic Consulting by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Semiconductor Materials for Solar Photovoltaic Cells by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Neuropsychological Assessments of Dementia in Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Advances in Stochastic and Deterministic Global Optimization by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Principles of Mobile Communication by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Law and Economics in Europe and the U.S. by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Nile Waters, Saharan Sands by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Analysis and Design of Markov Jump Systems with Complex Transition Probabilities by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Progress in Life Cycle Assessment by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Database and Expert Systems Applications by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Management of Complex Multi-reservoir Water Distribution Systems using Advanced Control Theoretic Tools and Techniques by Andrea Gambarotto
Cover of the book Bad Girls and Transgressive Women in Popular Television, Fiction, and Film by Andrea Gambarotto
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy