What the study found
The article says Antonine Nicoglou’s Plasticity in the Life Sciences offers a detailed historical and philosophical analysis of plasticity, a concept in the life sciences. It presents plasticity as a “boundary concept,” meaning a concept that helps connect different areas of inquiry.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the book fills a gap by examining a concept that has long interested life scientists but had not yet received detailed philosophical analysis. They also present it as an example of a highly integrated historical and philosophical study of a scientific concept.
What the researchers tested
This is a review-style article by Yoshinari Yoshida about Nicoglou’s book. It combines a historical account of the concept of plasticity from Aristotle to contemporary biology with philosophical analysis of the concept’s status and roles in biological research.
What worked and what didn't
The article reports that the book successfully combines historical examination and philosophical analysis. It also says the book provides a rich picture of plasticity as a boundary concept. No specific weaknesses or failures are described in the abstract.
What to keep in mind
The available summary does not provide detailed findings from the book itself beyond its framing and scope. It also does not describe limitations or criticisms of the work.
Key points
- The article presents plasticity as a boundary concept in the life sciences.
- It says the book combines historical examination with philosophical analysis.
- The historical scope runs from Aristotle to contemporary biology.
- The abstract says detailed philosophical analysis of plasticity had been lacking before this book.
- No specific limitations or criticisms are described in the abstract.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Plasticity is examined as a boundary concept in biology
- Authors:
- Yoshinari Yoshida
- Institutions:
- University of Copenhagen
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-08
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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