Properties of Life – Proposal for an integrative concept

Bernd Rosslenbroich (Witten/Herdecke University)

The life sciences are largely dominated by an analytical approach that attempts to reduce life phenomena to their underlying factors. Much valuable knowledge has been gained in this way. However, the synthesis of these phenomena and the understanding of the integrated organismic functional context is still a challenge to grasp scientifically. This means that the phenomenon of life is not yet truly understood in its ontologically autonomous existence. It will be necessary to further develop ways of biological thinking and research approaches in such a way that the specific characteristics of living beings can be described. Empirical research is developed far enough today to reveal by itself the material and prerequisites for a new integrative understanding. Such a concept is presented here as an organismic approach. It is proposed that an organismic understanding of the living would also change our way to treat Nature. In addition, an organismic view can lead to new aspects for understanding the evolution of the living world.