Microbes have only recently become the objects of sustained philosophical attention. Some of the reasons why philosophers now find microbes and microbiology interesting, and why philosophy of microbiology might be a worthwhile activity are presented and discussed.
Mot(s) clés libre(s) : microbiologie, philosophy, Philosophie, microbiology

I will distinguish between three types of interactionist reactions to internalist or externalist theories. These theories assign specific theoretical roles to internal and external factors, respectively. A « balanced » interactionist balances the relative weight of internal and external factors without changing their respective roles. An « extension » interactionist reassigns the roles to both factors. A « transformative » interactionist rejects the original theoretical framework, re-organizing internal and external factors under a new alternative. Examples will be drawn from major debates in evolutionary biology, developmental biology, and cognitive science. I then suggest that there could be three alternative interpretations to the « host-microbiota » holobiont/superorganism/metaorganism.
Mot(s) clés libre(s) : microbiologie, philosophy, Philosophie, microbiology