Biology Revisioned presents an engaging look at the changing state of biology and proposes that we reconsider our views of science and life. Harman (a past IONS president) and Sahtouris suggest that it is an historical accident that physics came to be the generally accepted root discipline of science. If, for example, biology were instead the foundation, life sciences would be analyzed in a completely different way. We would need to look at wholes (organisms and ecological systems) prior to parts (fundamental particles). The book examines several theories of "new biology"—simply adding new tools to the current definition and a moderately holistic outlook—but focuses on an even more radical holistic view which assumes the possible presence of consciousness as an underlying layer of physical reality. The authors also suggest that the scientific perspectives of non-Western cultures are invaluable to a complete understanding of science—that Western ideas are not complete without these views.
Biology Revisioned deals primarily with the question of what form of biological science—new tools of a holistic perspective—will best serve us all. The authors have created a book which questions the very heart of our world and provides an honest, straightforward account of their discourse on such fundamental topics as:
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the concepts of mechanism and organism
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biological enigmas
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autopoiesis and holarchies
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holistic biology
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intelligence and consciousness
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social implications
"Harman and Sahtouris take us on a highly readable journey to the frontiers of the new biology to demonstrate that life and consciousness are integral to the creative process of the cosmos. In so doing, they provide a profound and deeply provocative look at the choices humanity now faces. A seminal contribution to redefining contemporary social and scientific inquiry." —David C. Korten; Board Chair, The Positive Futures Network; Author, When Corporations Rule the World
Here is a older video excerpt (9:25) of co-author Elisabet Sahtouris:
