CATEGORY “MEASURE OF LIFE” IN BIOSYSTEMS WITH TOP-DOWN CAUSATION
Vyacheslav Ivanovich Moiseev1, Konstantin Sergeevich Mochalov2
1Russian University of Medicine, Moscow, Russia
2Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia
Keywords: measure of life, top-down causation, adaptation, biosystem
Abstract
In the philosophy of biology, the concept “measure of life” describes the phenomenon of life in its qualitative and quantitative integrity. This integrity is the result of the optimization of biosystems, wherein top-down causation, i.e. the determination of lower-level instances by higher-level variables, is actualized. In its initial forms, top-down causation is constrained in its scope, integrating only select aspects of life, either quantitative aspects (adaptive control) or qualitative aspects (feedback control). As biosystems evolve, the forms of downward causality become more complex (adaptive information control), which enables combining both the quality and quantity of life into the category of measure. The development of control mechanisms in biosystems allows for flexible behavior in accordance with environmental demands and the formation of new goals to achieve outcomes beneficial for the organism.,
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