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E-book
Author Baedke, Jan, author.

Title Above the gene, beyond biology : toward a philosophy of epigenetics / Jan Baedke
Published Pittsburgh : University of Pittsburgh Press, [2018]
©2018

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Description 1 online resource
Contents Introduction. What is epigenetics? -- How epigenetics deals with biological complexity -- Challenges of epigenetics in light of the extended evolutionary synthesis -- Causal explanation -- Mechanistic explanation -- Assessing the explanatory power of epigenetics -- Conclusion. A philosophy of epigenetics
Summary Epigenetics is currently one of the fastest-growing fields in the sciences. Epigenetic information not only controls DNA expression but links genetic factors with the environmental experiences that influence the traits and characteristics of an individual. What we eat, where we work, and how we live affects not only the activity of our genes but that of our offspring as well. This discovery has imposed a revolutionary theoretical shift on modern biology, especially on evolutionary theory. It has helped to uncover the developmental processes leading to cancer, obesity, schizophrenia, alcoholism, and aging, and to facilitate associated medial applications such as stem cell therapy and cloning. Above the Gene, Beyond Biology explores how biologists in this booming field investigate and explain living systems. Jan Baedke offers the first comprehensive philosophical discussion of epigenetic concepts, explanations, and methodologies so that we can better understand this "epigenetic turn" in the life sciences from a philosophical perspective
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Notes Online resource; title from PDF title page (EBSCO, viewed May 30, 2018)
Subject Epigenetics -- Philosophy
Epigenetics -- Methodology
Medicine -- Philosophy.
Epigenomics
Philosophy, Medical
SCIENCE -- Life Sciences -- Biochemistry.
SCIENCE -- General.
Medicine -- Philosophy
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9780822983408
0822983400