25min chapter

The Dissenter cover image

#985 Philip Ball - How Life Works: A User’s Guide to the New Biology

The Dissenter

CHAPTER

Exploring Agency in Biology

This chapter examines the concept of agency in biological organisms, particularly focusing on single-celled entities like bacteria and their decision-making processes. It also highlights the complexities of causation in diseases, advocating for a shift toward understanding systemic interactions beyond genetics, especially in cancer treatment. Furthermore, the chapter addresses the ethical dilemmas associated with advancements in synthetic biology and the creation of new life forms, emphasizing the moral responsibilities of such innovations.

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