From Microscopes to Macroscopes: Advancing Biomedical Research Through Systems Approaches

As a modeler my value to the experimentalist is often my way of thinking, the questions I ask them. Because mathematical modeling requires us to think carefully about what to measure and to be clear about assumptions, this way of thinking can be helpful in a lab where tremendously complex technologies and procedures, and the effort to do the measurements can distract from asking these questions. In a very similar way, the philosopher can ask me questions which will help me to focus and reflect upon my way of doing things. My hope is that philosophers of science will see this opportunity to engage with current research.