Degrees of Freedom: Living in Dynamic Boundaries

Drawing especially on insights emerging from studies of the cellular networks formed by fungi, this book describes the fundamental indeterminacy that enables life forms to thrive in and create inconstant circumstances. It explains how indeterminacy arises from counteraction between associative and dissociative processes at the reactive interfaces between living systems and their surroundings. It stresses the relevance of these processes to understanding the "dynamic contexts" within...
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Drawing especially on insights emerging from studies of the cellular networks formed by fungi, this book describes the fundamental indeterminacy that enables life forms to thrive in and create inconstant circumstances. It explains how indeterminacy arises from counteraction between associative and dissociative processes at the reactive interfaces between living systems and their surroundings. It stresses the relevance of these processes to understanding the "dynamic contexts" within which living systems of all kinds -- including human societies-explore for, use up, conserve and recycle sources of energy.

By focusing on dynamic boundaries, the book counterbalances the discretist view that living systems are "assembled" entirely from building-block-like units -- individuals and genes -- that can be "freely" sifted, as opposed to "channeled," by natural selection. It also shows how the versatility that enables life forms to proliferate in rich environments, whilst minimizing losses in restrictive environments, depends on capacities for error and co-operation within a fluid, non-hierarchical power structure. Understanding this point yields a more compassionate, less competitive and less self-centred outlook on life's successes and failures.
Contents: Defining Dynamic BoundariesScaling Hierarchies: Individuals and Collectives from Molecules to CommunitiesDeterminacy and IndeterminacyDifferentiation and IntegrationVersatility and DegeneracyBalance and CircumstanceMe and You, Us and Them: Merger, Takeover and RejectionCompassion in Place of Strife: The Future of Human Relationships?
Readership: Biology students, teachers and general readers.