Summary of the article - Essay Example

Section/# Article Summary: The Concept of Integrative Levels and Biology In his article, “The Concept of Integrative Levels and Biology, Alex Novikoff relates to the reader the importance of classification in the field of biology. However, more than simply discussing the need to classify organisms and life forms, Novikoff takes a somewhat different approach to the issue. The purpose of this analysis and response essay will be to categorize the way which Novikoff relates the classification process.

Novikoff’s analysis can be understood as the organization of matter through a layering of complexity. This understanding is not new however; rather, it is a re-emphasis of previous scientific categorization. The author argues that such a system needs to be implemented due to the fact that during the process of evolution the overall complexity of life and understanding grows and requires a new container in which to house the information. This “container” is realized by way of the differing categorizations which Novikoff suggests.

In this way, the author helps the reader to visualize a type of hierarchy in which “integrative levels” (as the author calls it) of biology are ordered and become increasingly important due to the fact that each and every increasing level of complexity draws inference and definition from the step that it is preceded by. The reader can quickly understand that a knowledge and understanding of the earliest stages of integration is necessary in order to apply the more complex understandings that are found at the higher levels.

Similarly, each level is defined by a set of laws that help to govern the way in which each level is allowed to define a given topic and draw conclusions upon it. Although the author goes into some depth in determining the level of regulation that each layer he describes implies, he is also are quick to point out that there is also a great deal of transference between the levels as certain key concepts and items cannot be conveniently classified in such a manner and must exist in one or more of these levels which have been described.

The analysis further discusses the model of cellular deconstruction. Whereas a traditional approach may have helped to deconstruct all material until the most basic level is readily seen, the author of the piece argues against such a simplistic method. Instead, he offers that a better model would hinge upon the ability of the researcher to be able to ultimately deconstruct something to its smallest component while all the while making reference to what it was originally taken from as a way to help identify the part of a larger whole.

The author also makes note of the fact that it is difficult to categorize the sociological and psychological hierarchy that human beings experience. This is of course due in no small part to the fact that many of the concepts of these different fields of understanding are abstract and oftentimes are not able to be stratified in a rigid classification system. Similarly, the author notes that although the key concepts of the theory he promotes are not new, they can be used to better define the differences between the way that certain information is currently understood and how the author believes that it should be understood.

Finally, the author makes a final statement that is directed towards the scientific community. In this, he asks them to re-engage with the ideas of classification that currently exist as well as seeking to understand in what ways the scientific community would stand to benefit from engaging new definitions and categorizations of material. Rather than advocating a new approach to scientific understanding, the author merely expresses the desire to seek a higher degree classification/categorization as a way to better understand a broad range of complex topics.

In this way, rather than having multiple classification systems between all of the fields in science, the author advocates for a standardized system which would help to define and differentiate at the most basic level all types of information. In such a system, the author argues that the levels of determination would be greatly enhanced and profitable to all involved.