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Focusing on cell dynamics, molecular medicine and robotics, contributors explore the interplay between biological, technological and theoretical ways of thinking. The collection makes a strong contribution to current debates in the philosophy of science and the changing role of scientific practice.
Since the 1970s, the origin of cancer is being explored from the point of view of the Somatic Mutation Theory (SMT), focusing on genetic mutations and clonal expansion of somatic cells. As cancer research expanded in several directions, the dominant focus on cells remained steady, but the classes of genes and the kinds of extra-genetic factors that were shown to have causal relevance in the onset of cancer multiplied. The wild heterogeneity of cancer-related mutations and phenotypes, along with the increasing complication of models, led to an oscillation between the hectic search of ‘the’ few key factors that cause cancer and the discouragement in face of a seeming ‘endless complexity...
The emergence of systems biology raises many fascinating questions: What does it mean to take a systems approach to problems in biology? To what extent is the use of mathematical and computational modelling changing the life sciences? How does the availability of big data influence research practices? What are the major challenges for biomedical research in the years to come? This book addresses such questions of relevance not only to philosophers and biologists but also to readers interested in the broader implications of systems biology for science and society. The book features reflections and original work by experts from across the disciplines including systems biologists, philosophers,...
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between pantheism and ecology, particularly considering different cultural approaches and diverse religious, theological, and philosophical traditions. Environmental ethics arises from the dangerousness and harmfulness of human beings with respect to nonhuman species and, more generally, with respect to the environment. A common starting point for environmental ethics standpoints is that human beings are responsible for damaging nature. The famous four laws of ecology drafted by Barry Commoner precisely express this guilt on the part of human beings, who very often voluntarily violate the behavioral indications that emerge from ...
Downward causation plays a fundamental role in many theories of metaphysics and philosophy of mind. It is strictly connected with many topics in philosophy, including but not limited to: emergence, mental causation, the nature of causation, the nature of causal powers and dispositions, laws of nature, and the possibility of ontological and epistemic reductions. Philosophical and Scientific Perspectives on Downward Causation brings together experts from different fields—including William Bechtel, Stewart Clark and Tom Lancaster, Carl Gillett, John Heil, Robin F. Hendry, Max Kistler, Stephen Mumford and Rani Lill Anjum —who delve into classic and unexplored lines of philosophical inquiry r...
This book represents the synthesis of many current cancer theories, which combined, offers a novel and innovative approach in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. It introduces a new and different paradigm in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, by taking into account the organism as a whole, which is very different from the current cellular/tissular approach toward cancer. In this new paradigm, cancer involves dynamic interactions with the entire body and its internal milieu. Focusing on these interactions will permit pre-clinical cancer diagnosis and novel treatment approaches. This onco-holobiont model integrates most of the current malignant process models and it is intended for the use of practitioners/clinicians, cancer researchers, and students with a particular interest in cancer. The goal of this book is to inspire scientists to go beyond the current methods in the treatment of cancer and discover new paradigms.
This book aims to explore the impact of human alterations of Earth’s ecological systems on human health. Human activities are producing fundamental biophysical changes faster than ever before in the history of our species, which are accompanied by dangerous health effects. Drawing on advanced ecological principles, the book demonstrates the importance of using systemic medicine to study the effects of ecological alterations on human health. Planetary Health is an interdisciplinary field, but first of all it must be systemic and it needs a preferential relationship between Ecology and Medicine. This relation is to be upgrading, because today both ecology and medicine pursue few systemic cha...
This book offers a multidisciplinary look at the much-debated concept of “personalized medicine”. By combining a humanistic and a scientific approach, the book builds up a multidimensional way to understand the limits and potentialities of a personalized approach in medicine and healthcare. The book reflects on personalized medicine and complex diseases, the relationship between personalized medicine and the new bio-technologies, personalized medicine and personalized nutrition, and on some ethical, political, economic, and social implications of personalized medicine. This volume is of interest to researchers from several disciplines including philosophy, bio-medicine, and the social sciences. Chapter 16, “The Impact of Fantasy” is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic relationship between digital technology and healthcare delivery, emphasising sustainable innovation in health services. It explores how digital technologies improve healthcare outcomes, enhance patient and community experiences, and streamline healthcare management, while addressing ethical, philosophical, and policy challenges tied to healthcare digitization. Examining trends such as telemedicine, AI diagnostics, data security, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), the book highlights global case studies, lessons learned, and strategies for integrating these technologies sustainably. It discusses the contextual, economic, and social impacts of digital health, presenting frameworks for their evaluation and improvement. Advocating for regulatory policies that prioritise privacy, accessibility and enhance responsible initiative, the book calls for collaborative approaches. Aimed at healthcare professionals, policymakers, and academics, this resource provides insights into creating a more efficient and equitable healthcare system, aligning with the broader goals of public health and social justice.