Unity of scientific explanation

Explanation or usage

Physical interactions constrain chemical processes, and chemistry helps explain biological processes. Studying parts does not eliminate the need to understand organization and context at larger scales. Mathematics can express relationships among these levels, while empirical sciences use observation to test whether their models apply.

Examples

Physical interactions constrain chemical processes, and chemistry helps explain biological processes.

Common misunderstandings

Explaining parts makes all higher-level investigation unnecessary.

In The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Volume I

General context reviewed · book attribution and sources pending

Connections among physics, chemistry, and biology illustrate how explanations at different levels can relate while retaining distinct questions. Mathematical models can express relationships, while empirical observation tests their applicability.

Physical interactions constrain chemical processes, and chemistry helps explain biological processes.