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The Dissenter

#1023 Francesca Bellazzi: Biochemical Kinds and Functions, Genes, and Virtue Ethics

Nov 22, 2024
Francesca Bellazzi, a postdoctoral researcher driven by the complex interactions of chemistry and biology, brings her insights on the philosophy of science. She dives into the ideas of functions and kinds, using metaphors like hearts and chairs to discuss their roles. The conversation also explores the dual nature of vitamin B12 and the evolving definitions of genes. Additionally, Francesca applies virtue ethics to the COVID era, stressing the importance of individual agency and the virtues that guide ethical decisions in challenging times.
01:08:43

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Quick takeaways

  • Functions of biochemical entities are context-dependent, influenced by evolutionary history and environmental interactions, thereby necessitating a pluralistic approach to understanding them.
  • Biochemical kinds are crucial for life, defined by their structural, functional, and evolutionary attributes, highlighting the importance of context in their classification and functionality.

Deep dives

Understanding Functions in Science

Functions are defined as causal contributions that provide insights into the identity, history, and context relative to an entity’s role within a system. For example, the heart is characterized by its function of pumping blood, which distinguishes it from other muscles and highlights its evolutionary selection for that role. This notion extends beyond biological entities to artifacts, where, for instance, a chair is defined by its function to support sitting. The application of function varies based on the entity type, suggesting a need for pluralism in interpreting function across different contexts.

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