The Gazave lab published a new publication in British Journal for the Philosophy of Science:
The Identity of Stem Cell Kinds
Abstract:
Stem cells are defined by their self-renewal and differentiation abilities. Through those properties, they ensure the production and renewal of organisms’ cells and, in some species, the regeneration of lost parts, making them a key element of biology. Although they share a same function and definition, there is a wide diversity across stem cells, reflected by the fact that stem cells are categorized into various types and subtypes. This diversity among stem cells raises a key philosophical question: Do stem cells belong to a natural kind? Claims and arguments made by biologists and philosophers, far from converging toward a consensual response, highlight the need for more (interdisciplinary) investigation to advance this question. In response to this challenge, we explore the hypothesis that a phylogenetic approach may offer a productive framework for addressing these conceptual tensions. After describing the strengths and limitations of such a strategy, we discuss how it can advance fields like regenerative medicine and cancer therapies by clarifying stem cell diversity and improving therapeutic strategies.
Guglielmo Militello, Louis Pare, Eve Gazave, Lucie Laplane. The Identity of Stem Cell Kinds. British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 2026, ⟨10.1086/743816⟩