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

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