Philosophy of Biology: About the Fossilization of Disciplines and Other Embryonic Thoughts

Abstract

This paper focuses on a running dispute between Werner Callebaut's naturalistic view and Filip Kolen and Gertrudis Van de Vijver's transcendentalist view on the nature of philosophy of biology and the relation of this discipline to biological sciences. It is argued that, despite differences in opinion, both positions agree that philosophy of biology's ultimate goal is to 'move' biology or at least be 'meaningful' to it. In order to make this goal clear and effective, more is needed than a polarizing debate which hardly touches upon biology. Therefore, a redirection in discussion is suggested towards a reflection on the possibilities of incorporating philosophy in interdisciplinary research, and on finding concrete research questions which are of interest both to the philosopher and to the biologist.

Canguilhem and Continental Philosophy of Biology

“…38 As Godfrey-Smith (2010) observed in his obituary, Hull would have rejected the idea that all philosophical problems are scientific problems, contrary to Quine. 39 Hull alluded to this point when he described how biologists themselves have succeeded in solving the philosophical problem of the distinction between classes and individuals Van Speybroeck, 2007).…”