On Beyond Living

This book examines the shift in biological studies, emphasizing how molecular biology has redefined our understanding of life. On Beyond Living challenges traditional notions.

In On Beyond Living, the author explores the evolution of molecular biology and its implications for our understanding of life. By utilizing tools from rhetoric and poststructuralist theory, the book highlights how the rise of molecular biology, particularly the focus on DNA and other molecules, was supported by critical rhetorical frameworks. This shift has transformed the notion of life itself, often framing organisms as mere information systems rather than complex living entities.

The author provides insightful analyses of influential texts by prominent figures in molecular biology, including Erwin Schrödinger and Jacques Monod. These readings reveal the intricate connections between rhetorical practices and the scientific advancements that have shaped contemporary biology. As a result, On Beyond Living illustrates how a 'postvital' biology challenges traditional boundaries between living organisms and machines, inviting readers to reconsider the nature of life.

Furthermore, the book serves as a genealogy of the Human Genome Initiatives, tracing the trajectory that led to the perception of humans as 'information.' By intertwining modern theoretical perspectives with scientific discourse, On Beyond Living is poised to incite meaningful discussions and debates across various fields, including cultural studies and science, as it delves into the interplay between rhetoric and technoscience.