This book presents a novel approach to understanding living systems by arguing that the genome is not a code or blueprint but a tool orchestrated by the system. It demonstrates how organisms make choices influencing their behavior, development, and evolution, acting as agents of natural selection. The authors offer a fresh perspective on life as a purposive and creative phenomenon.
Neural Darwinism, by Gerald M. Edelman, presents a revolutionary view of brain function based on the theory of neuronal group selection. This theory posits that the brain operates as a selective system, similar to natural selection, but with different mechanisms. It unifies perception, action, and learning, offering a dynamic perspective on memory and cognition. The book spans multiple disciplines, including developmental and evolutionary biology, and has significant implications for understanding consciousness and the mind-body problem.
In 'The Music of Life', Denis Noble presents a radical alternative to the gene's eye view, arguing that life should be understood as a complex system of interacting levels. He uses musical metaphors to explain how genes, cells, organs, and the environment interact in a symphonic manner. Noble draws on his research in cardiovascular physiology and systems biology to offer a comprehensive view of life beyond genetics.
Published on November 24, 1859, 'On the Origin of Species' by Charles Darwin is a seminal work in scientific literature. The book presents a comprehensive theory of evolution, arguing that species evolve over generations through the process of natural selection. Darwin supported his theory with evidence collected during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, as well as from subsequent research, correspondence, and experimentation. The book addresses the struggle for existence, the variability of species, and the principle of divergence, explaining how natural selection leads to the adaptation and diversification of life on Earth. It has been a cornerstone of evolutionary biology and has had significant impacts on both scientific and public discourse[2][4][5].
In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication. The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms. Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior. The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today[1][3][5].
Denis Noble is a renowned British biologist and pioneer in systems biology, known for his groundbreaking work on the heart and his influential contributions to the understanding of biological systems.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Neo-Darwinism is Dead
06:30 - Richard Dawkins Differences
17:02 - Purpose As Individual Agents / Purpose Given
26:05 - Function vs. Purpose in Living Systems
33:30 - Gaia Hypothesis (Lovelock)
37:46 - Anti-Natalist
41:52 - “The Only Free Will Worth Having”
46:52 - Stochasticity
52:50 - Rupert Sheldrake / Morphic Resonance
59:11 - Holism
01:06:32 - Dualism / Separate Laws for Separate Parts
01:18:01 - Multi-Cellularity Emerged Long Ago
01:34:00 - Maladaptive Evolution Happens All the Time
01:39:18 - Denis Noble & Richard Dawkins
01:45:27 - What is Purpose? (For Agents)
01:53:22 - Outro / Support TOE
LINKS:
- Richard Dawkins book: https://www.amazon.com/Selfish-Gene-Anniversary-Introduction/dp/0199291152
- Denis Noble’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Living-Systems-Life/dp/1009277367
- Gerald Edelman’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Neural-Darwinism-Theory-Neuronal-Selection/dp/0465049346
- Denis Noble’s paper with Daniel Phillips: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1113/JP284420
- The Music of Life (Denis’ book): https://www.amazon.com/Music-Life-Biology-Beyond-Genes/dp/0199228361
- Dance to the Tune of Life (Denis’ book): https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Tune-Life-Biological-Relativity/dp/1107176247
- Denis’ Progress in Biophysics paper: http://www.voicesfromoxford.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Shapiro-Noble-2021.pdf
- The Illusions of the Modern Synthesis (Denis’s paper): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12304-021-09405-3
- The Origin of Species (Charles Darwin’s book): https://www.amazon.com/Origin-Species-Charles-Darwin/dp/0517123207
- Dawkins/Noble debate (transcript): https://www.denisnoble.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TranscriptReferences.pdf
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Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal 
