Who is Von Uexküll, Jakob Johann in Philosophy
Von Uexküll, Jakob Johann was an Estonian-German philosopher and biologist who lived between the years 1864 and 1944. He is known for his contributions to the philosophy of biology and for his theory of umwelt, which refers to the subjective world of an organism alive. In this glossary, we will explore in detail Von Uexküll's life and work, as well as his main ideas and influences.
Life and Influences
Von Uexküll was born on September 8, 1864, in Keblas, Estonia, which at the time was part of the Russian Empire. He grew up in an aristocratic family and received a privileged education. His interest in biology began early, and he studied medicine and biology at the University of Tartu in Estonia and the University of Heidelberg in Germany.
While in Heidelberg, Von Uexküll had the opportunity to study with some of the leading biologists and philosophers of the time, including Ernst Haeckel and Wilhelm Wundt. These encounters were fundamental to the development of his ideas and profoundly influenced his interdisciplinary approach to biology and philosophy.
Umwelt theory
The umwelt theory is one of Von Uexküll's main contributions to the philosophy of biology. According to him, each living organism has its own subjective world, which is shaped by its perceptions and experiences. This subjective world, or umwelt, is unique to each species and determines how the organism interacts with its environment.
For Von Uexküll, the umwelt is made up of a set of signals that the organism is capable of perceiving and interpreting. These signals are called “marks” and are essential for the organism’s survival and adaptation. For example, a bird can perceive markers such as sunlight, the sound of wind and the smell of food, while a fish can perceive markers such as water temperature and the presence of predators.
Biology and Philosophy
Von Uexküll's interdisciplinary approach to biology and philosophy was innovative for its time. He believed that biology and philosophy should work together to understand the nature of life and the relationship between organisms and their environment. His theory of the umwelt was an attempt to unite these two disciplines by providing a philosophical basis for biology.
Von Uexküll also emphasized the importance of direct observation and experimentation in biology. He believed that biologists should study living organisms in their natural environment rather than relying solely on laboratory experiments. This approach was influential for the development of ecology, a discipline that studies interactions between organisms and their environment.
Legacy and Impact
Von Uexküll's work has had a lasting impact on the philosophy of biology and ecology. His theory of the umwelt influenced many later philosophers and biologists, including Martin Heidegger and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. His interdisciplinary approach was also fundamental to the development of ecology as a scientific discipline.
Furthermore, Von Uexküll was an advocate of nature conservation and environmental protection. He recognized the importance of healthy ecosystems for the survival of organisms and warned of the dangers of environmental destruction. His work remains relevant today as we face global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Conclusion
Von Uexküll, Jakob Johann was a visionary philosopher and biologist who made important contributions to the philosophy of biology and to the understanding of interactions between organisms and their environment. His umwelt theory and interdisciplinary approach remain influential to this day. His work reminds us of the importance of preserving nature and protecting the environment to ensure the survival of species and the balance of ecosystems.
