Single Cell Sequencing Techniques and Biological Explanation

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the type of biological explanation implied by single-cell sequencing, using established frameworks in the philosophy of biology, particularly those of new mechanical and systems biology. While investigating the extent to which new mechanistic philosophy or systems biology represent theoretical frameworks that align with single-cell sequencing, a part of -omics sequencing techniques, I claim that the objective of single-cell sequencing corresponds with the zeitgeist in theoretical philosophies of biology. The zeitgeist is a stance that advocates for a broader perspective on living organisms and that rejects reductionism. However, there remains a disparity between the scientific narrative and the practical capabilities of single-cell sequencing. Consequently, the conclusion drawn in this paper is that while single-cell sequencing aligns with the zeitgeist in certain theoretical philosophies of biology, it also acknowledges their theoretical limitations.