Abstract
Scientific knowledge is grounded in a particular epistemology and, owing to the requirements of that epistemology, possesses limitations. Some limitations are intrinsic, in the sense that they depend inherently on the nature of scientific knowledge; others are contingent, depending on the present state of knowledge, including technology. Understanding limitations facilitates scientific research because one can then recognize when one is confronted by a limitation, as opposed to simply being unable to solve a problem within the existing bounds of possibility. In the hope that the role of limiting factors can be brought more clearly into focus and discussed, we consider several sources of limitation as they apply to biological knowledge: mathematical complexity, experimental constraints, validation, knowledge discovery, and human intellectual capacity.
Keywords: Complexity, Gene regulatory networks, Epistemology, Experimental design, Genomics, Knowledge discovery, Modeling, Validation
Current Genomics
Title:On the Limitations of Biological Knowledge
Volume: 13 Issue: 7
Author(s): Edward R. Dougherty and Ilya Shmulevich
Affiliation:
Keywords: Complexity, Gene regulatory networks, Epistemology, Experimental design, Genomics, Knowledge discovery, Modeling, Validation
Abstract: Scientific knowledge is grounded in a particular epistemology and, owing to the requirements of that epistemology, possesses limitations. Some limitations are intrinsic, in the sense that they depend inherently on the nature of scientific knowledge; others are contingent, depending on the present state of knowledge, including technology. Understanding limitations facilitates scientific research because one can then recognize when one is confronted by a limitation, as opposed to simply being unable to solve a problem within the existing bounds of possibility. In the hope that the role of limiting factors can be brought more clearly into focus and discussed, we consider several sources of limitation as they apply to biological knowledge: mathematical complexity, experimental constraints, validation, knowledge discovery, and human intellectual capacity.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
R. Dougherty Edward and Shmulevich Ilya, On the Limitations of Biological Knowledge, Current Genomics 2012; 13 (7) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920212803251445
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920212803251445 |
Print ISSN 1389-2029 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5488 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advanced Computational Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Pharmacogenomics
In the era of personalized medicine, understanding the relationship between genetics and drug response is crucial. This issue delves into innovative methodologies, leveraging deep computational analysis and artificial intelligence, to enhance the field of Clinical Pharmacogenomics. The interdisciplinary approach harnesses the power of advanced high-throughput genotyping technologies, sophisticated computational analysis, ...read more
Applications of Single-cell Sequencing Technology in Reproductive Medicine
Single cell sequencing (SCS) technology utilizes individual cells' genetic material to sequence their genome, transcriptome, and epigenetics at the molecular level. It offers insights into cell heterogeneity and enables the study of limited biological materials. Since its recognition as a valuable technique in 2011, single cell sequencing has yielded numerous ...read more
Big Data in Cancer Research
Cancer is a significant threat to human life and health, remaining a highly aggressive killer. It is a leading cause of death worldwide and represents a crucial medical issue for humanity. However, in the past decade, the effectiveness of new synthetic anticancer agents has not matched the current clinical speculation. ...read more
Current Genomics in Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the world, in recent years we have had important advances in the interaction between cardiovascular disease and genomics. In this Research Topic, we intend for researchers to present their results with a focus on basic, translational and clinical investigations associated with ...read more
Related Journals
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Sudden Death and Ventricular Preexcitation: Is it Necessary to Treat the Asymptomatic Patients?
Current Pharmaceutical Design Systems Biology in Aging: Linking the Old and the Young
Current Genomics What is the Current Role for Vitamin D and the Risk of Stroke?
Current Neurovascular Research Recent Trends in Nanotechnology-Based Drugs and Formulations for Targeted Therapeutic Delivery
Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery Meet Our Editorial Board Member:
Current Alzheimer Research Ribozymes in the Age of Molecular Therapeutics
Current Molecular Medicine Peripheral Immune Signatures in Alzheimer Disease
Current Alzheimer Research Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Beyond
Current Alzheimer Research Molecule of the Month
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Pediatric Chronic Daily Headache
Current Pediatric Reviews Meet Our Editorial Board Member
Current Traditional Medicine Magnetic Nanoparticles Utilized in Hemodialysis for the Treatment of Hyperhomocysteinemia:The New Challenge of Nanobiotechnology
Current Nanoscience Depsipeptide (FK228) as a Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor: Mechanism of Action and Anticancer Activity
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Preface:
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Ceramide-Based Therapeutics for the Treatment of Cancer
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Shift in HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Factors Associated with False Positives for HIV Testing: A Retrospective Study from 2013 to 2018 in Xi’an, China
Current HIV Research Editorial: Pain in Dementia: A Distressing Combination of Several Factors
Current Alzheimer Research Lipid Matrix Nanoparticles: Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
Current Nanoscience Zacopride Exerts an Antiarrhythmic Effect by Specifically Stimulating the Cardiac Inward Rectifier Potassium Current in Rabbits: Exploration of a New Antiarrhythmic Strategy
Current Pharmaceutical Design Ultrasound Image Based Tumor Classification via Deep Polynomial Network and Multiple Kernel Learning
Current Medical Imaging