Introduction

Abstract

Erwin Schrödinger is well-known as one of the greatest figures of theoretical physics. He became famous for his mathematical formulation of atomic dynamics, known as the Schrödinger equation, and its application to atomic structure. In 1933, he received the Nobel Prize in physics (jointly with Paul Dirac). It therefore comes as no surprise that interpreters of Schrödinger’s work, dazz1ed by his genius and the results he obtained in quantum physics, almost forget the other Schrödinger, the biologist and philosopher. In reality, he not only revolutionized the foundations of modem physics but also made significant contributions to biology and the philosophy of science. The paradigm change he initiated has had great consequences for the natural and sodal sciences, the humanities, and our present scientific world-view in general.