Dynamic models of development and the mechanistic-organismic controversy

Presents a sequence of dynamic models with increasing structural complexity starting with a prototypical model of Newtonian mechanics. The implicated smooth variation along a dimension of structural complexity yields dynamic models that display organismic properties such as stagewise development and emergent self-organization. It is concluded that dynamic models of development are inherently neutral with respect to the mechanistic^organismic controversy. A unitary research program is proposed in which these dynamic models serve as building blocks for the construction of a coherent explanatory system of development.