The reductionist programme raises fundamental questions about levels of explanation. This book brings together a celebrated group of philosophers and scientists to discuss these problems. Some chapters deal with the enormously powerful techniques of molecular biology, and analyse precisely how molecular information has improved our understanding of biological processes. Others deal with specific physiological systems in relation to the appropriateness of attempts to provide reductionist explanations. The area of brain and behaviour is given particularly close attention because there are a number of differing views held by scientists about whether an analytical and reductionist approach is even desirable in this context.
Separate chapters deal with ecological and evolutionary issues.
Providing a comprehensive account of the application of reductionist ideas in biology, this book deals with controversial ideas, particularly in relation to reductionist explanations of behaviour, and presents both sides of the argument. The issues raised are relevant to virtually every area of biological research. This book examines the sophisticated mechanisms that plant use to defend themselves against attack by insects and pathogens, focusing on the networks of plant signalling pathways that underlie these defences. These act as an airborne SOS signal, revealing the presence of the herbivore to the predators and parasitoids that are its natural enemies. Plants also have endogenous defence mechanisms that can be induced in response to pathogens, and separate chapters deal with systemic acquired resistance, phytoalexins, and the interacting pathways in pathogen and pest resistance.