Alfred I. Tauber

American philosopher and historian of biology and medicine, specializing in philosophy of biology, immunology, and bioethics; author of The Immune Self and other works, and long associated with Boston University.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Triumph Of Uncertainty

    A philosophical and practical defense of uncertainty in science and medicine, arguing that unpredictable, complex biological and social systems resist purely reductionist, deterministic models; the author traces historical and conceptual roots of scientific overconfidence, shows how probabilistic reasoning, pluralistic methods, and ethical reflection can improve clinical care and public policy, and advocates epistemic humility, patient-centeredness, and strengthened trust between experts and the public as ways to responsibly manage risk and deepen scientific understanding rather than seeking illusory certainty.

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  2. 2. The Immune Self

    Theory or Metaphor?

    This book critically examines the dominant self/nonself framework in immunology, arguing that immune identity is not a fixed, purely biological property but an emergent, interpretive process shaped by development, history, and organism–environment interactions. Through historical and philosophical analysis of immunological theory and practice, the author challenges reductionist accounts that portray the immune system solely as a defensive mechanism and instead emphasizes its roles in tolerance, regulation, and the construction of biological individuality. The work explores implications for understanding autoimmunity, disease, and scientific reasoning, advocating a more nuanced, relational view of immunity that integrates empirical findings with conceptual reflection.