Small things, big consequences: microbiological perspectives on biology

Michael J. Duncan; Pierrick Bourrat; Jennifer DeBerardinis; Maureen A. O'Malley

doi:10.1007/978-94-007-6537-5_18

Small things, big consequences: microbiological perspectives on biology

Michael J. Duncan, Pierrick Bourrat, Jennifer DeBerardinis, Maureen A. O'Malley

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Microbiology is a broad-ranging area of research that has developed out of 400 years of observation, analysis and theorizing about microscopic life forms. The study of microbes has not yet received a great deal of attention from philosophy of biology, but there are many reasons why it should. In this chapter, we outline the value of thinking philosophically about microbes and microbiology via a discussion of concepts of life, biological individuals and levels of selection. These discussions will show how taking a philosophical perspective on microbiological studies can enrich not only microbiology but also biology in general and its philosophy. We conclude by drawing out some of the implications of philosophical perspectives on microbiology for educational strategies in the teaching of biology.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	The Philosophy of biology
Subtitle of host publication	a companion for educators
Editors	Kostas Kampourakis
Place of Publication	Dordrecht
Publisher	Springer, Springer Nature
Pages	373-394
Number of pages	22
ISBN (Print)	9789400765375
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6537-5_18
Publication status	Published - 2013
Externally published	Yes

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10.1007/978-94-007-6537-5_18

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ER -

Small things, big consequences: microbiological perspectives on biology

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