A recognized fact which goes back to the earliest times is…
““A recognized fact which goes back to the earliest times is that every living organism is not the sum of a multitude of unitary processes, but is, by virtue of interrelationships and of higher and lower levels of control, an unbroken unity. When research, in the efforts of bringing understanding, as a rule examines isolated processes and studies them, these must of necessity be removed from their context. In general, viewed biologically, this experimental separation involves a sacrifice. In fact, quantitative findings of any material and energy changes preserve their full context only through their being seen and understood as parts of a natural order.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Living organisms are integrated wholes; studying isolated parts removes essential context, sacrificing true understanding of biological unity.
In simple terms: Organisms are whole systems, not just parts.
Key Takeaway
Study systems, not just isolated parts.
Themes
biology
systems theory
holism
science philosophy
interconnectedness
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
philosophical
Type
Biology:1
Fact:1
Natural order:1
Nobel-laureate:0
Physiology:1
Sacrifice:0
Science:1
Time:0
Unity:1
Biologically Experimental:0
Isolated Processes:1
Experimental Separation:1
Viewed Biologically:0
When to use this quote
- research design
- education
- policy making
- environmental studies
Key Concepts
reductionism
emergent properties
contextual analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance reductionist and holistic approaches?
- When is context most critical?
A Different Perspective
Isolating variables can still be useful.