Recent Orientations and Reorientations in the Life Sciences

Abstract

The history of the molecular life sciences is inextricably interwoven with the development and exploitation of new research technologies. Theoretical breakthroughs depended essentially on technological tools, including the use of model organisms and molecules as tools. At a closer look, the history of the molecular life sciences during the twentieth century appears to be characterized by two decisive shifts of assemblage in the sense Paul Rabinow has given that term (Rabinow, 2004) and, for that matter, of experimental systems, to use my own terminology (Rheinberger, 2006a). Both shifts were essentially unplanned, unpredicted, and unprecedented in the form they took. As we shall see, the context of application underwent a notable change as well.