The concepts of Ludwik Fleck and their application to the eukaryotic cell cycle

Journal Title: Studia Historiae Scientiarum - Year 2017, Vol 16, Issue

Abstract

The concepts of Ludwik Fleck (1896–1961), a microbiologist, historian, and philosopher of medicine, can be used to analyze the conservative nature of scientific ideas. This is discussed and applied to ideas dominant in the understanding of the eukaryotic cell cycle. These are (a) the G1-phase restriction point as a regulatory element of the mammalian cell cycle, (b) the Rate Change Point proposed to exist in fission yeast, and (c) the proposal that a large number of genes are expressed in a cell-cycle-dependent manner. Fleck proposed that scientific ideas become fixed and difficult to change because criticisms of current and dominant models are either ignored or turned to support of the current model. The idea of a thought-collective leading to the stability of scientific ideas is a central theme of the theory of Ludwik Fleck.

Authors and Affiliations

Stephen Cooper

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  • EP ID EP291709
  • DOI 10.4467/2543702XSHS.17.013.7714
  • Views 39
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Stephen Cooper (2017). The concepts of Ludwik Fleck and their application to the eukaryotic cell cycle. Studia Historiae Scientiarum, 16(), 335-364. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-291709