A mouse out of “Grey Rags and Dust”

This chapter has a methodological objective. It proposes a method to grasp the specificities and differences of recent nature-inspired sciences and technologies such as biomimicry, biorobotics, and bionics. To this end, it suggests moving from the conceptual level of analysis to the level of practices to understand the basis of the different concepts that characterize new and emerging technologies and disciplines. To develop this, this chapter first briefly introduces Ludwig Wittgenstein’s methodological insights from his Philosophical Investigations . Second, it examines Jeroen K.G. Hopster and colleagues’ conceptual analysis of bio-inspired technology and illustrates its possible advantages and pitfalls. Third, it proposes a conceptual analysis to practice analysis to grasp the meaning of bio-inspiredness within various technological games. The conclusion broadly reflects on the philosophical benefits of the change I am advocating.