title: The functional approach in biology.
abstract: The concepts of structural and functional approaches are analysed. The existence of a logical limit to the domain of applicability of the structural approach is indicated. Some sources of possible failure of the structural method in biology are pointed out. Two fundamental characteristics of biological systems, inductive development and inductive functioning, necessitating the functional approach are discussed.
mesh_terms: D001695:Biology / Q000379:methods; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D008128:Logic; D010684:Philosophy; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship