Organism and artifact: Proper functions in Paley organisms.
Stud Hist Philos Biol Biomed Sci
; 44(4 Pt B): 706-13, 2013 Dec.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23792090
In this paper I assess the explanatory powers of theories of function in the context of products that may result from synthetic biology. The aim is not to develop a new theory of functions, but to assess existing theories of function in relation to a new kind of biological and artifactual entity that might be produced in the not-too-distant future by means of synthetic biology. The paper thus investigates how to conceive of the functional nature of living systems that are not the result of evolution by natural selection, or instantly generated by cosmic coincidence, but which are products of intelligent design. The paper argues that the aetiological theory of proper functions in organisms and artifacts is inadequate as an account of proper functions in such 'Paley organisms' and defends an alternative organisational approach. The paper ends by considering the implications of the discussion of biological function for questions about the interests and moral status of non-sentient organisms.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Biotecnología
/
Artefactos
/
Vida
/
Biología Sintética
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Stud Hist Philos Biol Biomed Sci
Asunto de la revista:
CIENCIAS SOCIAIS
/
ETICA
/
HISTORIA DA MEDICINA
Año:
2013
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido