Slime Mould and Philosophy

Texte du rabat

Physarum polycephalum, a unicellular organism has gained attention as a model for studying cognitive abilities in organisms lacking nervous systems. This Element aims to demonstrate how Physarum can enrich the philosophy of biology by challenging conventional biological theories and refining key concepts through its behaviors and capabilities.

Contenu

1 Introduction; 2. Niche construction and complex life cycles; 3. On the biotic status of spores; 4. Biological individuals: a puzzle concerning plasmodial fragmenting and fusing; 5. Externalised spatial memory?; 6. Conclusion; References.