UNDERSTANDING BIOS THROUGH OURSELVES - NEW CONCEPTS OF LIFE

The present paper deals with the concepts of bios (life) in biology, c omparing natural philosophy, the classical-science approach, bio- and vitacentrism. The term ''humanistics'' is suggested for an important v ersion of vitacentrism based on the similarity of all bios to, and rel ationship with, the human beings. Applications of humanistics to diffe rent levels of life are considered, with particular reference to the b io-social level. In this context, modern biopolitics is discussed. The potential impact of understanding through empathy on biological cogni tion is emphasized.