Could a "philosophical fitness landscape" foster Wilsonian consilience in biosystems debates?

Biosystems. 2003 Dec;72(3):217-27. doi: 10.1016/s0303-2647(03)00147-3.

Abstract

A digital interpretation of Edward O. Wilson's principle of "consilience"-knowledge will grow out of interdisciplinary accommodation-is attempted by modeling it with 32 pixels on a "philosophical fitness landscape" (PFL). This approach partially answers a need expressed by Wilson to develop useful consilience methodology, including maps and other orientation devises. Responding also to his call for more imagination, a "virtual roundtable" discussion is convened among 13 scientific luminaries to debate the meaning of biological life and its origin. This is done to test (subjectively) the null hypothesis that a PFL would be insensitive to the diversity of perspectives engaged in such a debate. Rejecting the null hypothesis, an argument is made that an appropriate PFL might help to foster Wilsonian consilience in biosystems debates, where it is needed most.

MeSH terms

  • Biology / methods*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Models, Biological*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Science
  • Software