Is Biology the Misunderstood Science?

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Mathematics is often regarded as the queen of sciences for its broad applicability, while physics is seen as the king due to its foundational principles across disciplines. In contrast, biology is characterized by its complexity and the challenges of classification, which many argue stems from outdated systems predating DNA analysis. The discussion suggests biology could be metaphorically described as "the science which stares back," highlighting its self-reflective nature and agency in living organisms. There is also a proposal to define biology as the "science of metabolism," emphasizing its focus on life processes. Overall, the conversation seeks a more fitting metaphor for biology that encapsulates its intricate and dynamic nature.
  • #31
This thread has gone west.

Biology means something.

It is sets of complicated and integrated yet competing sets of systems that can sustain themselves under certain conditions and can pass that complexity on into the future with modification.
 
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  • #32
Bystander said:
"Joker."
or Court Jester.

Also reminds me of one of my favorite songs; Dylan's long, very complex ballad, modeled on playing cards: Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts
 
  • #33
pinball1970 said:
Biology means something.
Yes, it literally means the science of life. But neither was this the question nor can it be defined shorter than that at all. The question was
BillTre said:
If mathematics is the queen of the sciences because it can be applied in so many different situations.
And physics is the king of the sciences because its rules underlie everything in other fields,
Then biology is: ...
which cannot sufficiently cover the complexity of any science in general and biology in particular. So all that remains is, whether a certain slogan is appropriate or not. Any slogan is an impermissible reduction.
 

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