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E-book
Author Fagan, Melinda Bonnie, author.

Title Philosophy of stem cell biology : knowledge in flesh and blood / Melinda Fagan, Rice University, USA
Published Basingstoke : Palgrave Macmillan, 2013

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Description 1 online resource (xx, 274 pages) : illustrations
Series New directions in the philosophy of science
New directions in the philosophy of science.
Contents Visceral Phenomena -- Stem Cell Concepts -- Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone : Evidence in Stem Cell Experiments -- A State of Uncertainty: Stemness and the Roles of Theory -- Mechanistic Explanation : The Joint Account -- Genes and Development : The Stem Cell Perspective -- Pluripotent Model Organisms -- Social Experiments -- Integrating Stem Cell and Systems Biology -- Clinical Values
Summary Examining stem cell biology from a philosophy of science perspective, this book clarifies the field's central concept, the stem cell, as well as its aims, methods, models, explanations and evidential challenges. The first chapters discuss what stem cells are, how experiments identify them, and why these two issues cannot be completely separated. The basic concepts, methods and structure of the field are set out, as well as key limitations and challenges. The second part of the book shows how rigorous explanations emerge from stem cell experiments, and compares these to other kinds of scientific explanation. Model organisms, the role of genes, and the significance of collaboration are also discussed. The last part of the book considers relations to systems biology and clinical medicine, arguing that both the mathematical models of the former, and ethical principles of the latter, are necessary for stem cell biology to deliver on its promises
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Notes English
Publisher supplied information; title not viewed
Subject Stem cells -- Research -- Philosophy
Stem cells -- Research -- Moral and ethical aspects
Systems biology.
Clinical medicine.
Systems Biology
Clinical Medicine
Cellular biology (cytology)
Philosophy of science.
MEDICAL -- Research.
Science.
Clinical medicine
Stem cells -- Research -- Moral and ethical aspects
Systems biology
Philosophy of science.
Ethics & moral philosophy.
Social & political philosophy.
Popular philosophy.
Medical research.
Life sciences: general issues.
Cellular biology (cytology)
Impact of science & technology on society.
Biology, life sciences.
Molecular biology.
Philosophy.
Science.
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9781137296023
113729602X
1299916872
9781299916876
9780230202108
0230202101
1349349852
9781349349852