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Up and down scalar levels: reductionism or infinite fractal complexity in biology?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2009

Ulrich Lüttge
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Abstract

Systems studied by science are generally characterized by a hierarchy of levels with different dimensions. Continuous moving up and down these scalar levels is needed for understanding. In biology, the science of the very complex, application of simple general rules is rarely—if ever—sufficient. Thus, conceptual reductionism is not possible As in fractals, where scaling does not affect the structures emerging, similar extraordinary complexity appears on each scalar level. Thus, scaling down is not reductionism. The need for continuous scaling up and scaling down not only requires integration of specialists but also reincarnation of generalists.

Type
Research Article
Information
European Review , Volume 4 , Issue 4 , October 1996 , pp. 329 - 332
Copyright
Copyright © Academia Europaea 1996

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