Skip to main content

Embodiments of Autopoiesis

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science ((BSPS,volume 42))

Abstract

The assertion that physical autopoietic systems are living systems requires the proof that all the phenomenology of a living system can be either reduced or subordinated to its autopoiesis. This proof, obviously, cannot consist in enumerating all biological phenomena and presenting cases of autopoietic systems that exhibit them; rather it must consist in showing that autopoiesis either constitutes or is necessary and sufficient for the occurrence of all biological phenomena, if the proper non-determinant contingencies are given.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1980 D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht, Holland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Maturana, H.R., Varela, F.J. (1980). Embodiments of Autopoiesis. In: Autopoiesis and Cognition. Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science, vol 42. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8947-4_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8947-4_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-277-1016-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-8947-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics