EGENIS seminar: "Comparing multiple inaccessible systems through biological modeling: The case of cellular anthropology", Dr Yoshinari Yoshida (University of Exeter)
Egenis seminar series
Philosophical literature on scientific modeling has considered the problem of how systems or phenomena that are not easily accessible can be studied by employing various modeling strategies. This paper examines a specific version of this problem: when scientists’ goal is to compare multiple inaccessible target systems, what modeling strategies can be used?
| An Egenis, the Centre for the Study of Life Sciences seminar | |
|---|---|
| Date | 20 January 2025 |
| Time | 15:30 to 17:00 |
| Place | Hybrid |
Event details
I address this question by focusing on an example: the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from different ape species in research into human evolution. In this example, ape iPSCs are used as in vitro models to investigate embryonic development and organ formation across humans and other apes. I argue that these studies have a distinct aim and form of modeling. Unlike biomedical research that studies experimental organisms and in vitro models to better understand a specific target system, these studies aim at discovering similarities and differences between multiple inaccessible systems by comparing iPSCs and their derivatives as their models. I call the latter form of modeling modeling for comparison and point out its distinct features, including epistemic advantages and challenges associated with it. In particular, I discuss a conceptual issue concerning experimental control and solutions to it.
Venue Byrne House (spaces limited)
Virtual via Zoom
