Field Of Vision
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World J Biol Chem. Aug 26, 2014; 5(3): 279-285
Published online Aug 26, 2014. doi: 10.4331/wjbc.v5.i3.279
Pragmatic turn in biology: From biological molecules to genetic content operators
Guenther Witzany
Guenther Witzany, Telos-Philosophische Praxis, 5111 Buermoos, Austria
Author contributions: Witzany G solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Guenther Witzany, PhD, Telos-Philosophische Praxis, Vogelsangstraße 18c, 5111 Buermoos, Austria. witzany@sbg.at
Telephone: +61-43-62746805 Fax: +61-43-62746805
Received: January 22, 2014
Revised: April 16, 2014
Accepted: May 16, 2014
Published online: August 26, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Meaning in natural languages/codes and communication is context dependent. In contrast, artificial formalizable (algorithm based) languages employ a “universal“ syntax in order to determine meaning independent of the contextual circumstances. It is empirically evident that no natural language speaks itself as no natural code codes itself. It always requires living agents that share a competence to generate and interpret these natural codes. Therefore I suppose that changes in the genetic code, which are of evolutionary relevance, are rather the result of fine-tuned processes by a large network of mobile genetic elements, persistent viruses, its defectives and other genetic parasites that alter DNA sequences. In this respect DNA remains as ecosphere habitat for social interacting RNA inhabitants. This represents a pragmatic turn in biology from syntax centered molecular biology to pragmatics centered agents interactions.