Philosophy of Cancer

A Dynamic and Relational View

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Reference, Health & Well Being, Medical, Specialties, Oncology
Cover of the book Philosophy of Cancer by Marta Bertolaso, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Marta Bertolaso ISBN: 9789402408652
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: August 24, 2016
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Marta Bertolaso
ISBN: 9789402408652
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: August 24, 2016
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Since the 1970s, the origin of cancer is being explored from the point of view of the Somatic Mutation Theory (SMT), focusing on genetic mutations and clonal expansion of somatic cells. As cancer research expanded in several directions, the dominant focus on cells remained steady, but the classes of genes and the kinds of extra-genetic factors that were shown to have causal relevance in the onset of cancer multiplied. The wild heterogeneity of cancer-related mutations and phenotypes, along with the increasing complication of models, led to an oscillation between the hectic search of ‘the’ few key factors that cause cancer and the discouragement in face of a seeming ‘endless complexity’. To tame this complexity, cancer research started to avail itself of the tools that were being developed by Systems Biology. At the same time, anti-reductionist voices began claiming that cancer research was stuck in a sterile research paradigm. This alternative discourse even gave birth to an alternative theory: the Tissue Organization Field Theory (TOFT). A deeper philosophical analysis shows limits and possibilities of reductionist and anti-reductionist positions and of their polarization. This book demonstrates that a radical philosophical reflection is necessary to drive cancer research out of its impasses. At the very least, this will be a reflection on the assumptions of different kinds of cancer research, on the implications of what cancer research has been discovering over 40 years and more, on a view of scientific practice that is most able to make sense of the cognitive and social conflicts that are seen in the scientific community (and in its results), and, finally, on the nature of living entities with which we entertain this fascinating epistemological dance that we call scientific research. The proposed Dynamic and Relational View of carcinogenesis is a starting point in all these directions.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Since the 1970s, the origin of cancer is being explored from the point of view of the Somatic Mutation Theory (SMT), focusing on genetic mutations and clonal expansion of somatic cells. As cancer research expanded in several directions, the dominant focus on cells remained steady, but the classes of genes and the kinds of extra-genetic factors that were shown to have causal relevance in the onset of cancer multiplied. The wild heterogeneity of cancer-related mutations and phenotypes, along with the increasing complication of models, led to an oscillation between the hectic search of ‘the’ few key factors that cause cancer and the discouragement in face of a seeming ‘endless complexity’. To tame this complexity, cancer research started to avail itself of the tools that were being developed by Systems Biology. At the same time, anti-reductionist voices began claiming that cancer research was stuck in a sterile research paradigm. This alternative discourse even gave birth to an alternative theory: the Tissue Organization Field Theory (TOFT). A deeper philosophical analysis shows limits and possibilities of reductionist and anti-reductionist positions and of their polarization. This book demonstrates that a radical philosophical reflection is necessary to drive cancer research out of its impasses. At the very least, this will be a reflection on the assumptions of different kinds of cancer research, on the implications of what cancer research has been discovering over 40 years and more, on a view of scientific practice that is most able to make sense of the cognitive and social conflicts that are seen in the scientific community (and in its results), and, finally, on the nature of living entities with which we entertain this fascinating epistemological dance that we call scientific research. The proposed Dynamic and Relational View of carcinogenesis is a starting point in all these directions.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Single Cell Sequencing and Systems Immunology by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Assisting the Invisible Hand by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book New Developments in Biosciences: Their Implications for Laboratory Animal Science by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Essays on the Doctrinal Study of Law by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Interim Measures of Protection in International Controversies by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Biology and Culture of Percid Fishes by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Individualism, Collectivism, and Political Power by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Reflective Equilibrium by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book The Anatomy of Idealism by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Philosophy and Science in Phenomenological Perspective by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Radical Constructivism in Mathematics Education by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Brain-Computer-Interfaces in their ethical, social and cultural contexts by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Drought Management on Farmland by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the Middle-East by Marta Bertolaso
Cover of the book Microbial BioEnergy: Hydrogen Production by Marta Bertolaso
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy