Can biology be explained entirely in terms of chemistry and then physics? If so, that’s “reductionism.” Or are there “emergent” properties at higher levels of the hierarchy of life that cannot be explained by properties at lower or more basic levels? Contribute what you can to help Closer To Truth continue exploring the world's deepest questions without paywalls: https://closertotruth.com/donate/ Jean-Pierre Changeux is a French neuroscientist known for his research in several fields of biology,

Can biology be explained entirely in terms of chemistry and then physics? If so, that’s “reductionism.” Or are there “emergent” properties at higher levels of the hierarchy of life that cannot be explained by properties at lower or more basic levels? Make a tax-deductible donation of any amount to help support Closer To Truth continue making content like this: https://shorturl.at/OnyRq S. Joshua Swamidass is an American computational biologist, physician, academic, and author. He is an associate

The battle between reductionism and emergence has been a long standing tension in physics, philosophy and biology. We ask Michael Ruse, renowned philosopher of biology, for his thoughts on the tension and how these two schools of thought interpret our world. Michael Ruse is the Lucyle T. Wekmeister Professor and Director of the History and Philosophy of Science Program at Florida State University. | Closer To Truth