The organism and its Umwelt

Abstract

The topic of the relationship between the organism and its environment runs through the theories of Uexküll, Goldstein, and Canguilhem with equal importance. In this chapter, a “counterpoint” is established between their theories in the attempt to assess at which points the “melodies” are concordant and at which points they are discordant. As a fundamental basis to his theory, Uexküll relies on the concept of conformity to a plan, which allows him to account for the congruity and perfect adjustment between organisms and their Umwelten . For Goldstein and Canguilhem, the relationship between an organism and its environment resembles instead a debate or coming to terms, in which the organism, as to ensure the continuity of the state of health, must constantly create norms to maintain a productive relationship with its environment. The pinpointing of these conceptual frameworks allows the laying of emphasis on that each theory relies on specific assumptions regarding teleology and sense in organisms, as well as on specific definitions of the concept of life in general. Ultimately, the view that organisms and their environments have an original and common source, a principle, or a plan, which must possess all the creative characteristics of life, is seen as prevailing.

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