Biology revisioned

by Willis W. Harman

Biology Revisioned presents a look at the changing state of biology and proposes that we reconsider our views of science and life. Harman and Sahtouris suggest that it is an historical accident that physics came to be the generally accepted root discipline of science. If, for example, biology were instead the foundation, life sciences would be analyzed in a completely different way. We would need to look at wholes (organisms and ecological systems) prior to parts (fundamental particles). The book examines several theories of "new biology" - simply adding new tools to the current definition and a moderately holistic outlook - but focuses on an even more radical holistic view which assumes the possible presence of consciousness as an underlying layer of physical reality. The authors also suggest that the scientific perspectives of non-Western cultures are invaluable to a complete understanding of science - that Western ideas are not complete without these views.