Refiguring Life: Metaphors of Twentieth-Century Biology

Evelyn Fox Keller

"The focus of these three essays is the role of language and technology in the progress of genetic science. Drawing on a broad spectrum of theoretical work, Keller shows how scientists often operate from preconceived notions in seeking evidence; how it may be possible to reconcile the stability of genetic memory with the seemingly contrary law of increasing entropy; and why terminology introduced by the computer revolution influences recent discoveries in genetic research." — Science News

"Clarifying the puzzling confusions and the astounding productivity inherent in the adoption of the metaphor of information in modern genetics, Keller has written a beautifully argued and incisive book. Refiguring Life makes a solid contribution to the growing collective project of the cultural and historical studies of science and technology." — Donna J. Haraway, author of Modest Witness: Feminism and Technoscience

Related Subjects

• General Biology

Series

• Wellek Library Lectures

About the Author

Evelyn Fox Keller is Professor of History and Philosophy of Science in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is the author of numerous books, including A Feeling for the Organism: The Life and Work of Barbara McClintock, Reflections on Gender and Science and most recently, Secrets of Life, Secrets of Death: Essays on Language, Gender, and Science.

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