Darwinism & Philosophy
Darwinism & Philosophy

Author: Vittorio Hösle

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 408

ISBN-13:

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The philosophically most challenging science today, arguably, is no longer physics but biology. It is hardly an exaggeration to state that Charles Darwin has shaped modern evolutionary biology more significantly than anyone else. Moreover, since Darwin's day, philosophers and scientists have realized the enormous philosophical potential of Darwinism and have tried to expand his insights well beyond the limits of biology. However, no consensus has been achieved. The aim of this collection of essays is to revive a comprehensive discussion of the meaning and the philosophical implications of "Darwinism." The contributors to Darwinism and Philosophy are international scholars from the fields of philosophy, science, and history of ideas. A strength of this collection is that it brings together sustained reflection from American and Continental philosophical traditions. The conclusions of the contributors vary, but taken together their essays successfully map the problems of interpreting "Darwinism."

Philosophy After Darwin
Philosophy After Darwin

Author: Michael Ruse

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 593

ISBN-13: 0691135533

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An anthology of essential writings that cover some of the most influential ideas about the philosophical implications of Darwinism, since the publication of "On the Origin of Species".

The Structure of Evolutionary Theory
The Structure of Evolutionary Theory

Author: Stephen Jay Gould

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2002-03-21

Total Pages: 1460

ISBN-13: 0674417925

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The world’s most revered and eloquent interpreter of evolutionary ideas offers here a work of explanatory force unprecedented in our time—a landmark publication, both for its historical sweep and for its scientific vision. With characteristic attention to detail, Stephen Jay Gould first describes the content and discusses the history and origins of the three core commitments of classical Darwinism: that natural selection works on organisms, not genes or species; that it is almost exclusively the mechanism of adaptive evolutionary change; and that these changes are incremental, not drastic. Next, he examines the three critiques that currently challenge this classic Darwinian edifice: that selection operates on multiple levels, from the gene to the group; that evolution proceeds by a variety of mechanisms, not just natural selection; and that causes operating at broader scales, including catastrophes, have figured prominently in the course of evolution. Then, in a stunning tour de force that will likely stimulate discussion and debate for decades, Gould proposes his own system for integrating these classical commitments and contemporary critiques into a new structure of evolutionary thought. In 2001 the Library of Congress named Stephen Jay Gould one of America’s eighty-three Living Legends—people who embody the “quintessentially American ideal of individual creativity, conviction, dedication, and exuberance.” Each of these qualities finds full expression in this peerless work, the likes of which the scientific world has not seen—and may not see again—for well over a century.

Did Darwin Write the Origin Backwards?
Did Darwin Write the Origin Backwards?

Author: Elliott Sober

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2011-03-31

Total Pages: 251

ISBN-13: 1616142782

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Is it accurate to label Darwin’s theory "the theory of evolution by natural selection," given that the concept of common ancestry is at least as central to Darwin’s theory? Did Darwin reject the idea that group selection causes characteristics to evolve that are good for the group though bad for the individual? How does Darwin’s discussion of God in The Origin of Species square with the common view that he is the champion of methodological naturalism? These are just some of the intriguing questions raised in this volume of interconnected philosophical essays on Darwin. The author's approach is informed by modern issues in evolutionary biology, but is sensitive to the ways in which Darwin’s outlook differed from that of many biologists today. The main topics that are the focus of the book—common ancestry, group selection, sex ratio, and naturalism—have rarely been discussed in their connection with Darwin in such penetrating detail. Author Professor Sober is the 2008 winner of the Prometheus Prize. This biennial award, established in 2006 through the American Philosophical Association, is designed "to honor a distinguished philosopher in recognition of his or her lifetime contribution to expanding the frontiers of research in philosophy and science." This insightful collection of essays will be of interest to philosophers, biologists, and laypersons seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most influential scientific theories ever propounded.

The Influence of Darwin on Philosophy, and other essays in contemporary thought
The Influence of Darwin on Philosophy, and other essays in contemporary thought

Author: John Dewey

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-10-27

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13:

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John Dewey's 'The Influence of Darwin on Philosophy, and other essays in contemporary thought' is a thought-provoking collection of essays that delves into the impact of Darwin's theory of evolution on philosophy and human thought. Dewey's writing style is scholarly and meticulous, drawing connections between Darwin's groundbreaking ideas and their implications for various philosophical concepts. The book provides a valuable insight into the intersection of science and philosophy during the 19th and 20th centuries, making it a significant contribution to the field of intellectual history. Dewey's ability to explore complex ideas with clarity and depth makes this collection a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of philosophical thought. John Dewey, a prominent American philosopher and educator, was deeply influenced by Darwin's evolutionary theory, which is reflected in his analytical approach to philosophical issues. His expertise in pragmatism and educational theory shines through in this collection, showcasing his unique perspective on the relationship between science and philosophy. I highly recommend 'The Influence of Darwin on Philosophy' to readers who are eager to explore the intellectual currents of the modern age in a nuanced and thoughtful manner.

The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex
The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex

Author: Charles Darwin

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2008-09-02

Total Pages: 964

ISBN-13: 1400820065

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In the current resurgence of interest in the biological basis of animal behavior and social organization, the ideas and questions pursued by Charles Darwin remain fresh and insightful. This is especially true of The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, Darwin's second most important work. This edition is a facsimile reprint of the first printing of the first edition (1871), not previously available in paperback. The work is divided into two parts. Part One marshals behavioral and morphological evidence to argue that humans evolved from other animals. Darwin shoes that human mental and emotional capacities, far from making human beings unique, are evidence of an animal origin and evolutionary development. Part Two is an extended discussion of the differences between the sexes of many species and how they arose as a result of selection. Here Darwin lays the foundation for much contemporary research by arguing that many characteristics of animals have evolved not in response to the selective pressures exerted by their physical and biological environment, but rather to confer an advantage in sexual competition. These two themes are drawn together in two final chapters on the role of sexual selection in humans. In their Introduction, Professors Bonner and May discuss the place of The Descent in its own time and relation to current work in biology and other disciplines.

Human Nature After Darwin
Human Nature After Darwin

Author: Janet Radcliffe Richards

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2005-07-05

Total Pages: 340

ISBN-13: 1134615825

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Human Nature After Darwin is an original investigation of the implications of Darwinism for our understanding of ourselves and our situation. It casts new light on current Darwinian controversies, also providing an introduction to philosophical reasoning and a range of philosophical problems. Janet Radcliffe Richards claims that many current battles about Darwinism are based on mistaken assumptions about the implications of the rival views. Her analysis of these implications provides a much-needed guide to the fundamentals of Darwinism and the so-called Darwin wars, as well as providing a set of philosophical techniques relevant to wide areas of moral and political debate. The lucid presentation makes the book an ideal introduction to both philosophy and Darwinism as well as a substantive contribution to topics of intense current controversy. It will be of interest to students of philosophy, science and the social sciences, and critical thinking.

Evolution 2.0
Evolution 2.0

Author: Martin Brinkworth

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2011-10-07

Total Pages: 261

ISBN-13: 3642204961

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These essays by leading philosophers and scientists focus on recent ideas at the forefront of modern Darwinism, showcasing and exploring the challenges they raise as well as open problems. This interdisciplinary volume is unique in that it addresses the key notions of evolutionary theory in approaches to the mind, in the philosophy of biology, in the social sciences and humanities; furthermore it considers recent challenges to, and extensions of, Neo-Darwinism. The essays demonstrate that Darwinism is an evolving paradigm, with a sphere of influence far greater than even Darwin is likely to have imagined when he published ‘On the Origin of Species’ in 1859.

The Evolution of Darwinism
The Evolution of Darwinism

Author: Timothy Shanahan

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2004-03-15

Total Pages: 354

ISBN-13: 9780521541985

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No other scientific theory has had as tremendous an impact on our understanding of the world as Darwin's theory as outlined in his Origin of Species, yet from the very beginning the theory has been subject to controversy. The Evolution of Darwinism, first published in 2004, focuses on three issues of debate - the nature of selection, the nature and scope of adaptation, and the question of evolutionary progress. It traces the varying interpretations to which these issues were subjected from the beginning and the fierce contemporary debates that still rage on and explores their implications for the greatest questions of all: Where we come from, who we are and where we might be heading. Written in a clear and non-technical style, this book will be of use as a textbook for students in the philosophy of science who need to become familiar with the background to the debates about evolution.