Historische und theoretische Grundlagen des Gestaltbegriffs in der Biologie

Historische und theoretische Grundlagen des Gestaltbegriffs in der Biologie

Benjamin Bembé
Jahrbuch für Goetheanismus 2025, 2025, P.49-68 | DOI: 10.18756/jfg.2025.49
Biology | Language: German | €6
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Abstract:

Form or Gestalt is a specific characteristic of every living organism. It is closely linked to function and contains information per se. Gestalt can be understood as both a cause and an effect of numerous processes of the organism. It therefore represents a value in its own right and should not be regarded merely as the passive result of genetic, selective or adaptive effects. It can therefore be regarded as the primary starting point for biological research. In order to classify historical definitions of Gestalt, a brief overview of the history of the concept of Gestalt in biology is given, as well as a brief and a more detailed characterization of it. It is pointed out that the development of an adequate Gestalt biology is of central importance in order to be able to deal effectively with relevant questions for a better understanding
of life. A constructive approach to the Gestalt problem can provide a valuable impetus for placing the living organism back at the center of biological considerations.

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