Abstract
This paper assesses Sarkar's ([2003]) deflationary account of genetic information. On Sarkar's account, genes carry information about proteins because protein synthesis exemplifies what Sarkar calls a ‘formal information system’. Furthermore, genes are informationally privileged over non-genetic factors of development because only genes enter into arbitrary relations to their products (in virtue of the alleged arbitrariness of the genetic code). I argue that the deflationary theory does not capture four essential features of the ordinary concept of genetic information: intentionality, exclusiveness, asymmetry, and causal relevance. It is therefore further removed from what is customarily meant by genetic information than Sarkar admits. Moreover, I argue that it is questionable whether the account succeeds in demonstrating that information is theoretically useful in molecular genetics.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-17 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | British Journal for the Philosophy of Science |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 8 Jan 2009 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2009 |