Conceptual Biology Lab (CBL)
Mission
Our major goal is to analyze the conceptual toolkits and frameworks used in biological research and design new conceptual tools to understand new biological knowledge.
We are interested in understanding the evolution of life. In particular the evolution of genomes and the evolution of higher cognitive functions in humans. We believe that in order to overcome some of the major stumbling blocks in understanding the evolution of life and the evolution of cognition a study of foundational issues in biological science, focusing on evolutionary biology, heredity, and cognition is required. To that end we employ a diverse and multi-disciplinary set of research approaches.
Principal Research Interests
Current
- Developmental Understanding of Genome Dynamics and Epigenetics
- Evolution of the Genome
- Evolution of Language
- Evolution of Normativity
To see who is working on what, see the people page.
On the horizon
- Macro-Evolution
- Using experimental evolution to study conceptual questions
##Research Methods {#methods}
We employ existing and new methods, stemming from a variety of disciplines, primarily traditional biology (genetics and evolutionary theory) and philosophy of biology and theoretical biology and we are in close contact with scientists doing empirical work. Our methods include conceptual analysis, computational and modeling techniques, computational phylogenetics and phylogenomics, and historical research. We have a soft spot for mathematical philosophy and the study of complex systems via the use of simulations and models.
Our work is deeply rooted in our interdisciplinary roots. Our work on cognition, in particular, is informed by insights from philosophy of mind and philosophy of language. Deep knowledge of the history of genetics and evolutionary theory is another important source of ideas. We think that historians and philosophers of biology have a lot to offer and firmly believe in collaboration between biologists and theoreticians.
Lab members only: cblwiki.
