Mathematics justifies the Metaphysics in Biology

Denis Noble · Oxford University · Systems biology & physiology

Mapping to the Nexus

Noble argues that DNA transcription is mechanically too slow to account for real-time biological decision-making, positing that cell behavior is governed by deep mathematical principles interacting directly with the organism. This maps to basal cognition and the morphogenetic code: genomic determinism is insufficient, and organisms rely on faster, non-genetic informational layers like bioelectricity to navigate their environments.

Key themes

  • Biological relativity — no privileged level of causation
  • Downward causation and multi-level systems
  • Mathematics as a source of metaphysical commitments
  • Concepts covered (Platonic Space glossary)

  • Biological Relativity
  • Formal Causality
  • Multiscale Competency Architecture (MCA)