Two hypothesises for the origins of organisms from the synthetic biology perspective

LI Jiyuan; WU Guosheng

doi:10.12211/2096-8280.2024-035

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Two hypothesises for the origins of organisms from the synthetic biology perspective

Invited Review | 更新时间：2025-06-20

- Two hypothesises for the origins of organisms from the synthetic biology perspective
- Synthetic Biology Journal Vol. 6, Issue 1, Pages: 190-202(2025)
- 作者机构：
  
  1.华中科技大学哲学学院，湖北武汉 430074
  2.清华大学科学史系，北京 100084
- 作者简介：
- 基金信息：
- DOI：10.12211/2096-8280.2024-035
  CLC： N03
- Received：02 April 2024，
  
  Revised：2024-06-21，
  
  Published：31 January 2025
- 稿件说明：
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李冀渊，吴国盛. 合成生物学视域下有机体的两种隐喻［J］. 合成生物学， 2025， 6（1）： 190-202

LI Jiyuan， WU Guosheng. Two hypothesises for the origins of organisms from the synthetic biology perspective［J］. Synthetic Biology Journal， 2025， 6（1）： 190-202
李冀渊，吴国盛. 合成生物学视域下有机体的两种隐喻［J］. 合成生物学， 2025， 6（1）： 190-202 DOI： 10.12211/2096-8280.2024-035.

LI Jiyuan， WU Guosheng. Two hypothesises for the origins of organisms from the synthetic biology perspective［J］. Synthetic Biology Journal， 2025， 6（1）： 190-202 DOI： 10.12211/2096-8280.2024-035.

摘要

对有机体本质的追问，一直是生物学和哲学久盛不衰的话题。在生物学研究中，经常使用隐喻来认识和理解生命现象。回顾生物学的发展历史，有机体的隐喻可以分为两类：①机器隐喻，将有机体的部件与组织方式类比为机器的运作；②自主系统隐喻，将有机体类比为具有目的性和独特属性的复杂系统。两种隐喻在生物学各个领域发挥认知作用，例如理论假说、启发式工具、科学传播的作用。在隐喻发挥认知作用的同时，也有隐喻使用的一些争议，这个问题在合成生物学的语境下，显得尤为重要。合成生物学旨在通过整合生命科学、化学、物理学、材料科学、计算机科学，利用工程学方法重新设计、从头设计生物系统。合成生物学的发展挑战了自然物/人工物的二分，也为重新理解有机体的本质和方式带来了机遇，从生物元件到合成生命系统，两种隐喻在合成生物学的发展中都有所体现。本文通过对两种隐喻概念的溯源和澄清以及两种隐喻在合成生物学中的应用，分析有机体隐喻使用中的本体隐喻/认识论隐喻的混淆问题，并说明在合成生物学的语境下，隐喻混淆带来的认知作用和伦理上的争议，例如过度依赖本体隐喻带来认知上的误导作用、隐喻混淆对合成有机体内在价值、道德地位的不当判断等。基于这些讨论，本文将辩护一种认识论隐喻的立场，不论从隐喻的认知作用还是伦理后果，都应谨慎使用隐喻。

Abstract

The inquiry into the essence of organisms has long been a thriving topic in biology and philosophy. Hypothesises are commonly employed in biological research to understand lives. These hypothesises can be grouped into two categories: ① the machine hypothesis

likening the components and organizational structure of organisms to the operation of machines

and ② the autopoietic hypothesis

likening organisms to complex systems with purposeful and unique attributes. Both play an epistemic role in various fields of biology

serving as theoretical hypotheses

heuristic tools

and means of scientific communication. The machine hypothesis

for instance

has been influential in areas such as molecular biology and systems biology

where organisms are viewed as intricate machines made up of interacting components. The autopoietic hypothesis

on the other hand

has been more prominent in theoretical biology and philosophy of biology

highlighting the self-organizing and self-producing nature of living systems. The development of synthetic biology

which aims to redesigning and constructing biological systems from scratch

has challenged the traditional dichotomy between natural and artificial entities. Both the machine and autopoietic hypothesises are reflected in the advancement of synthetic biology

as researchers attempt to engineer living systems using principles and methods adapted from various disciplines

including engineering

computer science

and materials science. While the hypothesises serve epistemic purposes

their usage also raises some controversies

particularly in the context of synthetic biology. The conflation of ontology and epistemology

where hypothesises are mistaken for literal descriptions of reality

can lead to ethical concerns. For example

the machine hypothesis may suggest that organisms are merely complicated machines to be manipulated

potentially diminishing their intrinsic value and ethical status. This article examines the origin and clarification of these two hypothesises

their applications in synthetic biology

and addresses the potential confusions and ethical implications arising from their usage. It advocates for a cautious approach to the usage of the epistemological hypothesis

considering both its epistemic impact and ethical consequence. As synthetic biology continues to advance

it is crucial to maintain a critical and nuanced understanding of hypothesises employed

recognizing their heuristic value while also acknowledging their limitations and potential pitfalls. The discussion of hypothesises for organism origins in the context of synthetic biology highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue between scientists

philosophers

and ethicists. By examining the philosophical and ethical issues of hypothesises

we can better navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of synthetic biology

ensuring that our scientific endeavors are guided by a deep appreciation for the intricate and multifaceted nature of lives.

关键词

Keywords

references

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