Introduction

Abstract

The introduction introduces the project of a universal biology, which unravels the mystery of life by employing the categories specific to biological process, instead of relying on those suited for conceiving mechanics, electromagetism, and chemistry. Organic unity, metabolism, and reproduction all involve an internal teleology, with which we can understand what nature must provide to become a biosphere, how life can arise and evolve, and what fundamental forms life can take anywhere in the universe. The following chapters will address these issues by mining the important contributions of Aristotle, Kant, and Hegel to the understanding of life.