Multilevel Research Strategies and Biological Systems. Issue 5 (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Malley, Maureen A.; Brigandt, Ingo; Love, Alan C.; Crawford, John W.; Gilbert, Jack A.; Knight, Rob; Mitchell, Sandra D.; Rohwer, Forest
• Is Part Of: Philosophy of science. Volume 81:Issue 5(2014)
• Page Start: 811
• Page End: 828
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy; Science; Science -- Philosophy; Philosophie des sciences; Epistemology; Periodicals; 501
• DOI: 10.1086/677889
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-767X

Abstract

Abstract : Multilevel research strategies characterize contemporary molecular inquiry into biological systems. We outline conceptual, methodological, and explanatory dimensions of these multilevel strategies in microbial ecology, systems biology, protein research, and developmental biology. This review of emerging lines of inquiry in these fields suggests that multilevel research in molecular life sciences has significant implications for philosophical understandings of explanation, modeling, and representation.