Self-Made People: The Emerging Embryo, Biology, and Belief

Duration: 59 mins 43 secs

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Description:	Talk given by Prof. Jeff Hardin for Faraday Institute Seminar Series 2021


Created:	2021-11-16 12:36
Collection:	Faraday Institute Lectures
Publisher:	Faraday Institute
Copyright:	Faraday Institute
Language:	eng (English)
Keywords:	Faraday; Science; Religion; Biology; Belief; Hardin; Embryo;


Abstract:	The transformation of each of us from a fertilised egg to an organism with trillions of cells arranged in incredibly complicated ways is a wonder of biology. Each of us is a “self-made” individual, as the programme of develop unfolds. This programme certainly involves the expression of genes, but also form-shaping movements carried out on a massive scale with intricate choreography that – ironically – lacks a sentient choreographer. Development is also robust – many animal embryos can regulate how they develop after massive perturbations, and artificial aggregates of cells can be coaxed to organise in ways that strikingly resemble intact embryos. Does this robustness defy scientific explanation? Do we need to postulate some vital force to explain it? Biologists are beginning to learn in increasing detail how form arises in the embryo. The intricacies of this cellular world provide opportunities for profound wonder, but also raise larger questions about our identity and our place in the world.

Abstract:

The transformation of each of us from a fertilised egg to an organism with trillions of cells arranged in incredibly complicated ways is a wonder of biology. Each of us is a “self-made” individual, as the programme of develop unfolds. This programme certainly involves the expression of genes, but also form-shaping movements carried out on a massive scale with intricate choreography that – ironically – lacks a sentient choreographer. Development is also robust – many animal embryos can regulate how they develop after massive perturbations, and artificial aggregates of cells can be coaxed to organise in ways that strikingly resemble intact embryos. Does this robustness defy scientific explanation? Do we need to postulate some vital force to explain it? Biologists are beginning to learn in increasing detail how form arises in the embryo. The intricacies of this cellular world provide opportunities for profound wonder, but also raise larger questions about our identity and our place in the world.

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