Atlantic International University
Second Phase Assignment
Cultural Development
The Hidden Connections
Fritjof Capra
Nadir Sidiqi ID: UD08363SAU
Nadir Sidiqi ID: UD08363SAU
The Hidden Connection
This essay is about the basic unit of life cell and biological composition of the human body and its functions within the human body and interaction of the human to its surrounding environment and ecosystem based on many researchers and scientific literature. Let’s begin with the cell which is the basic unit of life and how these cells form together is a group called tissues. The biology, components which function within the cells or tissues are operating with organized management.
This basic unit of a life cell could be a single cell such as bacteria or multiple cells such as animals and plants. According to the author of the book “The Hidden Connections” Mr. Fritjof Capra and other related scientists which explain in a marvelous form about the nature of life, the nature of the mind, consciousness, and the nature of social reality. The concern is about how do these units of life cells or tissues of each organism perform a function within the body and then make the organism’s to interact in their environment. The ecosystem and all organisms are co-related with each others for example, animals depends on the photosynthesis of plants for their energy needs, plants depend on the carbon dioxide produced by animals, as well as on the nitrogen fixed the bacteria at their roots. Similarly, plants, animals, and microorganisms all together regulate the entire biosphere and maintain the cycle conducive to life. This brings our attention that “what is life?”
As the science of biology, indicated to us that metabolic processes involve special macromolecules very large molecules consisting of long chains of hundreds of atoms. These long chains consist of protein and nucleic acid (DNA, RNA) which is present in all cells (Luisi, 1998). Bacteria cell has two types of proteins-enzymes, which act as catalysts of different metabolic processes, and structural proteins, which are part of cell structure. On the other hand in higher organisms, there are many other types of proteins with specialized functions, such as the antibodies of the immune system or the hormones. Most metabolic processes are catalyzed by enzymes, which are specified by genes. The cellular processes are genetically controlled, which gives them great stability. The RNA molecules as messengers, delivering code information for the synthesis of enzymes from the DNA, which play role in the cell’s self-multiplication.
That is a crucial characteristic of life. In simple way we can say “living systems are chemical system, which composed of DNA” but there are in dead cells also contain DNA. According to the report of German scientists indicated the precise gene sequence in DNA from a Neanderthal skull bones that had been for over 100,000 years (New York Times, 1997). Thus, only presence of DNA is not valid proof of living, it modifies the definition that “living systems are chemical systems that contain DNA which are not dead or a living system is a system that is alive” (Capra, 2002). According to biochemist Pier Luigi Luisi, who stated the “DNA-centered” view and the “cell-centered” view represent two main philosophical and experimental streams in life science today (Luisi, 1998). If we look at the cell in a big picture a cell is characterized by cell membrane, which is capable permeable and semi-permeability between and its environment.
There is a network of chemical reactions within the boundary so, the system can sustain alive through the processes of metabolism that taking food from outside and chemical reaction taking place within the cell boundary. As biologists Humberto Maturana and Francisco Verela described the term “autopoiesis” literally, self-making (Maturana & Varela, 1980). Autopoiesis can distinguishing between living and nonliving system.
For example, viruses are not alive, because they lack their own metabolism outside living cells. Viruses are inert molecular structures consisting of proteins and nucleic acids. Viruses are needs the metabolism of a living host cell to produce new virus particles, based on encoded in its DNA or RNA. Thus, most metabolic processes are facilitated by enzymes and receive energy through special phosphate molecules known as AdenosineTriphosphate(ATP). Russian biochemist Alexander Oparin in his classic book “Origin of life” the idea that living matter originated from inanimate matter by continues evolutionary process was published in 1929 (Margulis & Sagan, 1986). Oparin called it “molecular evolution” and today commonly referred to as “prebiotic evolution” (Morowitz, 1998). According Harrold Morowitz fantastic little book, “Beginning of Cellular Life” stated in his book the basic principles of biochemistry and molecular biology that are common to all living cells.
It means that multiple chemical bonds are essential to the formation of complex biochemical structures such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) are only atoms that regularly form multiple bonds. Obviously, life begin in water and water molecules (H2O) are electrically highly polar, because their electrons stay closer to the oxygen atom than to the hydrogen atoms, so that they leave an effective positive charges on the H and a negative charge on the O (Morowitz, 1992). There are others elements but the last two major atoms of biological systems are phosphorus (P) and (S) sulphur.
As Morowitz points out that the flow of energy and matter is necessary not only for the growth and replication of vesicles, but also for persistence of stable structures. Water molecules has electrical polarity, because of this polarity certain molecules are attracted by water (hydrophilic), while others are repelled by water (hydrophobic). In addition, fatty acid and oily substances, known as lipids and they are elongated structures with one hydrophilic end and one hydrophobic end. When lipids come in contact with water, they suddenly form a variety of structures. So far chemists have not been able to produce lipids from small molecules. All the lipids in our environment are derived from petroleum and other organic substances. A pioneer research conducted by Pier Luigi Luisi and his colleagues successes in preparing “soap and water” (Luisi, 1998). Catalysts increase the rates of chemical reactions without being changed themselves in the process, which make possible reactions that could not take place without them (Capra, 2002). As we have found that bacteria as the simplest living systems, a living cell as a membrane-bounded, self-generating, well organized closed metabolic network. It involves with highly complex macromolecules such as proteins, and enzymes which act as catalysts of metabolic processes RNA, the messengers carrying genetic code information and DNA, which stores the genetics information as well as cell’s self replication. It draws our attention to the nature of life to the human social dimension, and more important with conceptual thought, values, meaning and purpose that related human consciousness and culture. Thus, understanding of mind and consciousness in our living systems is vital source of interaction.
In the 1970s, Maturana, and Francisco Varela, offered a theory which becomes known as the Santiago Theory of Cognition, which is the identification of cognition, the process of knowing, with the process of life. According to Maturana and Varela cognition is the activity involved in the self generation and self-perpetuation of living networks. A key point of Santiago Theory of Cognition is a living system maintains the freedom to decide what to notice and what will disturb it. To fully understand of consciousness, we must approach it through the careful analysis of conscience experience of the physics, biochemistry, and biology of the nervous system; and of the nonlinear dynamics of neural network (Capra, 2002). Therefore, in social dimension of consciousness the human life focusing our internal world of thought, concepts, beliefs, mental images, intentions, and self awareness. We can ask a question, what about cognition and language? Scientists assumed that chimpanzee communication had nothing to do with human communication because the chimps grunts and screams appear little resemblance to human speech.
According to the observations, research, and conformation of several team of psychologists who spent many years raising chimpanzees in their homes like human children, while communicating with them in American Sign Language (ASL). American Sign Language (ASL) existed for at least 150 years and has its roots in various European sign languages that were developed by the deaf themselves over centuries. Doreen Kimura, neurologist discovered that speech and precise hand movements seem to be controlled by the same motor region of the brain (Kimura, 1976).
George Lakoff and Mark Johnson profoundly presented the evidence for the mind’s embodiment in their book Philosophy in the Flesh (Lakoff & Johnson, 1999). The evidence is based, on the discovery that most of our thought is unconscious, operating at a level that is inaccessible to ordinary conscious awareness. As Lakoff and Johnson summarize “The mind is inherently embodied, though is mostly unconscious, abstract concepts are largely metaphorical” (Referred, Capra to see Ibid). All these biological molecules of human body are connected to the spiritual life. As we look and think of that human body it draws our attention that how these macromolecules or organ of our body are amorously organized and function remarkably. In addition, human being as a noble creature of God, we should appreciate the righteous meaning of life for the purpose to make our lives profoundly meaningful. Fritjof Capra indicated of biological and social phenomena aspect under the four perspectives such as form, matter, process, and meaning. Sociologist Manuel Castells states: “Social structures are the foundational concept of social theory, everything else works through the social” (Castells, 1999).The science of living organism and application of technology is one of the important issues which need to be elaborating as follow.
Author Fritjof Capra stated in book The Hidden Connection: about how the nature of business environment of most companies today change with incredible speed. According to Margaret Wheatly and Myron Keller-Rogers, organizational theorists, “Life is the best teacher about change” (Wheatley & Kellner, 1998). The basic idea of management and essential parts of theory and practice steer an organization in a direction consistent with its goals and purposes (Referred, Capra, See de Genus, 1997a). Social network is the source of development in the recent years.
Social network analysis has become a new approach to sociology, and is employed by numerous scientists to study social relationships and the nature of community (Referred, Capra, See Wallman, 1999). According to Etienne Wenger “they develop a common practice, that is shared ways of doing things and relating to one another that allow them to achieve their joint purpose, over time, the resulting practice becomes a recognizable bond among those involved” (Wenger,1996). In addition, Wenger defines a community of practice as characterized by three features: mutual engagement of its members, a joint enterprise, and over time a shared repertoire of routines, tacit rules of conduct, and knowledge (Wenger, 1998). Here is the task that how can we make and bring change with meaningful purpose to people right from the beginning, to get their attention for participation, and to provide an environment in which their creativity can thrive.
By recommending, simple guiding principle rather than strict rule of instructions, as result of significant changes in power relations, from domination and control to cooperation and partnership. This will lead us with the fundamental implication of the new understanding of life. In recent years, biologists and ecologists have begun to shift their metaphors from hierarchies to networks and have come to realize that partnership the tendency to associate, establish links, cooperate, and maintain symbiotic relationships is one of the hallmarks of life (Capra,1996). As Margaret Wheatley stated it “If we want to succeed with knowledge management, we must attend to human needs and dynamics… knowledge [is not] the asset or capital. People are” (Wheatley, 2001). The significant and effective way to enhance an organization’s learning potential is to support and strengthen its communities of practice (Capra). According to Wheatley statement, “Working for an organization that is intent on creating knowledge is a wonderful motivator, not because the organization will be more profitable, but because our lives will feel more worthwhile” (Wheatley, 1997). To overcome the task and right balance between design and emergence require blending of two different kinds of leadership (Capra, 2002). A common idea of a leader is that of a person who is able to hold a vision, to eloquent it clearly and to communicate it with passion and magnetism. Moreover, a person whose actions embody certain values that serve as a standard for others to attempt for, as well as the ability to hold a clear vision of an ideal form or state of affairs, is something that traditional leaders have common with designers (Capra, 2002). Another type of leadership consists in facilitating the novelty and creating conditions rather than giving directions, and using the power of authority to empower others. Leadership must have creativity and a vision, it means going where nobody has gone before or as whole to create something new. Thus, in that sense understanding of life makes it clear that in the near future such change will be crucial not only for well being of human organizations, but as well for the survival and sustainability of humanity (Capra, 2002). According to Manuel Castells, Professor of Sociology at the University of California at Berkeley “that all major trends of change constituting our new, confusing world are related, and those we can make sense of their interrelationship.
And yes, I believe, in spite of long tradition of something is a way of helping to build a different, better world” (Referred, Capra, See Ibid). Anthony Giddens the director of the prestigious London School of Economics, admits stated “The new capitalism that is one of the driving forces of globalization to some extent is a mystery. We don’t fully know as yet just how it works” (Giddens, 1996).Global currency market alone involves the daily exchange of over two trillion dollars, and since these markets largely determine the value of any national currency, they contribute significantly to the inability of governments to control economic policy” (Referred, Capra, See Ibid).
As Manuel Castells emphasizes that “the emergence of a new electronic communication system characterized by its global reach, its integration of all communication media, and its potential interactivity is changing and will change forever our culture” (Castells, 1996). Here is a task for us that will be the current economic crisis situation how long will the effect persist and how can we overcome this crisis for the benefit and sustainability socially and ecologically nationally as well as globally.
As we are in the era of the twenty-first century, it’s necessary to rethink and recombine the information technology with the biotechnology. Initially, this significant innovation begun in 1970s and reached its initial peak in the 1990s (Capra, 2002). As molecular biologist Mac-Wan Ho stated that genetic engineering, is “a set of techniques for isolating, modifying, multiplying, and recombining genes from different organisms” (Ho, 1998). The science of genetics concludes in the discovery of the physical structure of DNA and the “breaking of the genetic code” during the 1950s (Capra, 1982).
Later on took biologists twenty years, to develop two crucial techniques, which made opened the window of genetic engineering. The first technique is known as “DNA sequencing” is the ability to determine the exact sequence of genetic elements such as the nucleotide bases along any stretch of the DNA double helix (Capra, 2002). The second, one is “gene-splicing” is the cutting and joining together of pieces of DNA with the help of special enzymes isolated from microorganisms (Ho, 1998). As scientists and researchers are involving with the new discoveries in genetics will force biologists to adopt different view that mutations are actively generated and regulated by the cell’s epigenetic network. So, that evolution is an integral part of the self-organization of living organisms (Capra, 2002). As James Shapiro, molecular biologist indicated that: These molecular insights lead to new concepts of how genomes are organized and reorganized, opening a range of possibilities for thinking about evolution. Rather than being restricted to contemplating a slow process depending on random (i.e. blind) genetic variation … we are now free to think in realistic molecular ways about rapid genome restructuring guided by biological feedback networks (Shapiro, 1999).
As we are facing, the challenges and problems that are arising with the understanding of the relationship between genes and disease, the use of cloning in medical research and the application of biotechnology to agriculture. These are the central points in the narrow conceptual framework of genetic determinism and are requiring by broader and scientific research, environmentally feasible based biotechnology framework (Capra, 2002).