"From Immunity to Science as Philosophy"

From Immunity to Science as Philosophy

This book provides a scientific analysis of immunity and then reflects on it from a metaphysical perspective. It was published in March 2023 by Misuzu Shobo, Tokyo.

Publisher's note:

● "Can immunity be elucidated by empirical science alone?"

Immunologist and Doctor of Philosophy (from Sorbonne University) opens up the possibility of a self-reflective and creative science.

● The sense of inadequacy felt in current empirical science. The immunologist, who sought a solution to this problem in philosophy, presents a new way of science. And the original significance of philosophy. Scientific knowledge and humanistic knowledge are linked by immunology.

● When the author was nearing the end of his more than 30 years of research in immunology, he had a great sense of inadequacy. What had he gained from pure empirical science, and did he understand immunity?  The author turned to philosophy as one of the circuits to get to the whole picture of immunity, which could not be explained in terms of physicochemical science. This book is a proposal for science based on the results of his academic life in France, a thrilling discussion that freely traverses the humanities and empirical sciences.

Reviews from various quarters:

"This book provides answers to fundamental questions of the human spirit and proposes a new biological framework of cognition."

 "An excellent theory of life that does not degenerate into a mere theory of the life sciences"

   Prof. Sen Takeda, Teikyo University (Weekly Reader, May 2023) 

"The immune system, ubiquitous in all living organisms, is the oldest cognitive system. The author expands his speculation and constructs a panpsychist worldview. While reading this book, I had the rare experience of scientifically sensing the all-encompassing Buddha nature of mountains, rivers, plants, and trees (山川草木悉有仏性). This book stimulated various imaginations."

　Utsushimi (Bookmeter, May 2023)

 

"This book recognizes the fundamental principles that lie behind the phenomenon of immunity through rational thought. And now that we are returning to our daily lives after the new Corona, it also gives us an opportunity to rethink society, others, and ourselves."

   Prof. Tetsuya Ishii, Hokkaido University (Book Review, June 2023)

"This book reminds us once again that the act of contemplation is of paramount importance for those involved in medicine in today's information-overloaded world." 

   Dr. Manabu Ato, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (August 2023)

"This is a great book that should be read by anyone interested in immunology."

   Prof. Koji Taniguchi, Hokkaido University (October 2023)

"This book is like the Bible, as it has a lot of thought-provoking content no matter which part of the book you read."

　Prof. Ko Okumura, Jundendo University (November 2023) 

 

"The book From Immunity to Science as Philosophy represents a pioneering effort to meticulously and logically connect the vast scientific achievements in immunology, extracting the metaphysical elements therein and offering a new perspective that emerges from them. It vividly conveys Dr. Yakura's intent to present the "metaphysicalization of science" (MOS) in a concrete form through the phenomenon of immunity, aiming to bring about a transformation in the thinking of many scientists. The beautiful prose throughout the text invites even those unfamiliar with the field of immunology into the complex world of this science."

　Dr. Tetsuo Saga (November 2023)