Revisiting Causation: The Role of Goal-Directed Transitions in Biology

Navn på bevillingshaver

Mads Jørgensen Hansen

Titel

PhD

Institution

Bristol University

Beløb

DKK 900,000

År

2024

Bevillingstype

Internationalisation Fellowships

Hvad?

Some processes exhibit clear goals while others do not. The question arises: Are ontogenetic processes, such as the transition from embryo to adult, goal-directed? Research in morphogenesis suggests bioelectric fields may serve as guiding principles in ontogenesis. This project aims to develop a theory which posits that ontogenetic processes are inherently goal-directed.

Hvorfor?

Exploring the possibility of goal-directedness in ontogenetic processes holds important philosophical implications, challenging traditional notions of causation. Moreover, if developmental processes are indeed goal-directed, this may have significant consequences for medicine by facilitating the detection and manipulation of goal-states in order to mitigate developmental defects.

Hvordan?

This project integrates philosophical analysis with the literature from developmental biology to construct a model of goal-directed transitions. Through an in-depth analysis of contemporary research in developmental biology, particularly regarding the role of bioelectric fields in morphogenesis, this project seeks to establish a conceptual framework capable of explaining such causal phenomena.

Tilbage til oversigtssiden