If function is something we humans assign to biological systems, then why do biological systems still work?

Question

And why, then, can we build a model of a biological system that actually works?

Answer 1

Michael is right. We don't assign any functions but explain how these functions work and how systems carry out their desired functions. By that I mean we don't control out biological functions, rather they work automatically without any conscious input. Imagine trying to consciously breath. What would happen if we had to consciously control our heart, or our liver required conscious instructions to carryout its functions.

Conscious is limited very limited. So we can't assign any functions as that would simply mean conscious control. That we control the variables. Biological systems have no assigned functions or values, rather they work within a set system, and are dependent on specific inputs. You move aorta and place it in place of vena cava, it would result in an immediate death.We have to eat if we are to stay alive.

What we can do is build a model to understand how a specific biological system works. The model we can create simply depends on the data we have, and how we acquire that data. Sometimes we don't have enough data so we have to use certain calculations to create a hypothetical model to explain how a specific system works, ie 'How brain stores memories'.

We can build a model by using results from extensive experiments, for example to explain how blood pressure works. Then we use the models to carryout different calculations, to help us understand the workings of the systems. Of course these are simply limited and dependent on the data we have.

So if I increase Acetylcholine what impact would that have on my heart rate?  

Answer 2

Assigning functions is usually true about the thing, and it doesn't mean that just because science can see how a bio-system works doesn't mean that it won't work if they don't assign a function to it's parts, obviously. And knowing a function doesn't mean that it's known how it works, so science can't duplicate a bio-system, it's much too complicated and took eons for God to evolve.

Answer 3

We assigned nothing to any systems.The systems designed us, and when we create something biological that functions we are not actually creating it, we are just mimicking something that has already been created. Basically just recreating a system that was not functioning properly. but the mock system would not function without the original organic systems surrounding it. to much human intervention and all systems fail.

Answer 4

The natural systems still work because they don't listen to us. The ones we make work because we sometimes listen to them.

Answer 5

Because something closely related to another thing and dependent on it for its existence, has value for us.

Answer 6

It is not OUR function, it is THEIR function. They don't need us.

Answer 7

Plus they can't retire until they reach a certain age.