Exploration, iterativity and kludging in synthetic biology

Abstract

Synthetic biology is the latest manifestation of post-genomic practice in molecular biology. It involves the engineering of parts and systems, and is often declared to be a practical 'proof' of mathematical models and design strategies. By examining the range of practices that constitute synthetic biology, a broader philosophical understanding of the molecular life sciences can be developed. Rather than focusing on hypotheses, testing and inference, synthetic biology invites attention to the practices of exploration, iterativity and kludging. Examining such strategies in relation to synthetic biology offers new avenues of insight for philosophy of science and biology. (C) 2010 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.