Biology Revisioned [Paperback]

Willis Harman (Author), Elizabet Sahtouris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1998

Biology Revisioned presents an engaging look at the changing state of biology and proposes that we reconsider our views of science and life. Harman and Sahtouris suggest that it is an historical accident that physics came to be the generally accepted root discipline of science. If, for example, biology were instead the foundation, life sciences would be analyzed in a complete different way. We would need to look at wholes (organism and ecological systems) prior to parts (fundamental particles). The book examines several theories of “new biology”—simply adding new tool to the current definition and a moderately holistic outlook—but focuses on an even more radical holistic view which assumes the possible presence of consciousness as an underlying layer of physical reality. The authors also suggest that the scientific perspectives of non-Western cultures are invaluable to a complete understanding of science—that Western ideals are no complete without these views.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Harman and Sahtouris take us on a highly readable journey to the frontiers of the new biology to demonstrate the life and consciousness are integral to the creative process of the cosmos. In so doing, they provide a profound and deeply provocative look at the choices humanity now faces. A seminal contribution to redefining contemporary social and scientific inquiry."
—Dr. David C. Korten, author of When Corporations Rule the World

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556432674
• ISBN-13: 978-1556432675
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,006,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "As above, so below"...as never before., May 19, 2001

By 

"ladylucero" (Red Bluff, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biology Revisioned (Paperback)

In this remarkable book, two great biologists hold a speculative conversation about the true nature of "life, the universe, and everything," and you get to eavesdrop. Your world view will never be the same.

Following in the tradition of James Lovelock and Lyn Margulis, the late Willis Harman and his protege Elizabet Sahtouris here take Gaia Theory (the notion that our planet is a superorganism not merely hosting life, but in itself alive) to its next logical extension. Gaia, this duo speculates, is conscious. Indeed, they postulate that not only is Gaia conscious, but every level of life is conscious. From the atomic components of each cell in your body to the unimaginable vast Body of which Gaia herself is only one cell, all...All...ALL is conscious.

The adage, "As above, so below" has never had more compelling meaning.

Harman and Sahroutis base their logical groundwork on a concept of all being organized into holons (identity units) which are part of a larger holarchy (complex of identity units). Holons, say these two, take their purpose from the holarchy in which they are embedded, and take their ability from the holons which are embedded within them. Thus, your liver exists to serve your body, and draws its capacities from the health of its individual cells.

Take this concept outward to Gaia--nay, to the penultimate Cosmos--and you may find, as I do, profound spiritual implications. You will also understand why these two respected scientists had to present this book as a speculative conversation. Pushing the outer edges of thought, challenging academia's entrenched mindset, is professionally risky. But Sahtouris has no less a motive than the saving of the planet. She holds that only by understanding what We are, can we save Ourselves from physical destruction.

With the greatest of delight, I recommend this book to your consciousness.