The Poverty of the Linnaean Hierarchy
The Poverty of the Linnaean Hierarchy

Author: Marc Ereshefsky

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2000-11-27

Total Pages: 330

ISBN-13: 1139430017

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The question of whether biologists should continue to use the Linnaean hierarchy has been a hotly debated issue. Invented before the introduction of evolutionary theory, Linnaeus's system of classifying organisms is based on outdated theoretical assumptions, and is thought to be unable to provide accurate biological classifications. Marc Ereshefsky argues that biologists should abandon the Linnaean system and adopt an alternative that is more in line with evolutionary theory. He traces the evolution of the Linnaean hierarchy from its introduction to the present. He illustrates how the continued use of this system hampers our ability to classify the organic world, and then goes on to make specific recommendations for a post-Linnaean method of classification. Accessible to a wide range of readers by providing introductory chapters to the philosophy of classification and the taxonomy of biology, the book will interest both scholars and students of biology and the philosophy of science.

The Poverty of the Linnaean Hierarchy
The Poverty of the Linnaean Hierarchy

Author: Marc Ereshefsky

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2000-11-27

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13: 9780521781701

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The question of whether biologists should continue to use the Linnaean hierarchy is a hotly debated issue. Invented before the introduction of evolutionary theory, Linnaeus' system of classifying organisms is based on outdated theoretical assumptions, and is thought to be unable to provide accurate biological classifications. Ereshefsky argues that biologists should abandon the Linnaean system and adopt an alternative that is more in line with evolutionary theory. He illustrates how the continued use of this system hampers our ability to classify the organic world, and then goes on to make specific recommendations for a post-Linnaean method of classification.

Species
Species

Author: John S. Wilkins

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 0520271394

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In this comprehensive work, John S. Wilkins traces the history of the idea of "species" from antiquity to today, providing a new perspective on the relationship between philosophical and biological approaches.--[book cover].

The Epistemology of Development, Evolution, and Genetics
The Epistemology of Development, Evolution, and Genetics

Author: Richard Burian

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 9780521545280

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These essays examine the developments in three fundamental biological disciplines--embryology, evolutionary biology, and genetics. These disciplines were in conflict for much of the 20th century and the essays in this collection examine key methodological problems within these disciplines and the difficulties faced in overcoming the conflicts between them. Burian skillfully weaves together historical appreciation of the settings within which scientists work, substantial knowledge of the biological problems at stake and the methodological and philosophical issues faced in integrating biological knowledge drawn from disparate sources.

The Evolution of Reason
The Evolution of Reason

Author: William S. Cooper

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 9780521540254

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The formal systems of logic have ordinarily been regarded as independent of biology, but recent developments in evolutionary theory suggest that biology and logic may be intimately interrelated. In this book, William Cooper outlines a theory of rationality in which logical law emerges as an intrinsic aspect of evolutionary biology. This biological perspective on logic, though at present unorthodox, could change traditional ideas about the reasoning process. Cooper examines the connections between logic and evolutionary biology and illustrates how logical rules are derived directly from evolutionary principles, and therefore have no independent status of their own. Laws of decision theory, utility theory, induction, and deduction are reinterpreted as natural consequences of evolutionary processes. Cooper's connection of logical law to evolutionary theory ultimately results in a unified foundation for an evolutionary science of reason. It will be of interest to professionals and students of philosophy of science, logic, evolutionary theory, and cognitive science.

Species
Species

Author: John S. Wilkins

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-01-29

Total Pages: 443

ISBN-13: 1351677993

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Over time the complex idea of "species" has evolved, yet its meaning is far from resolved. This comprehensive work is a fresh look at an idea central to the field of biology by tracing its history from antiquity to today. Species is a benchmark exploration and clarification of a concept fundamental to the past, present, and future of the natural sciences. In this edition, a section is added on the debate over species since the time of the New Synthesis, and brings the book up to date. A section on recent philosophical debates over species has also been added. This edition is better suited non-specialists in philosophy, so that it will be of greater use for scientists wishing to understand how the notion came to be that living organisms form species. Key Selling Features: Covers the philosophical and historical development of the concept of "species" Documents that variation was recognized by pre-Darwinian scholars Includes a section on the debates since the time of the New Synthesis Better suited to non-philosophers

Genes, Genesis, and God
Genes, Genesis, and God

Author: Holmes Rolston

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1999-02-13

Total Pages: 420

ISBN-13: 9780521646741

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This book argues that the phenomena of religion can not be reduced to the phenomena of biology.

Searching for Sustainability
Searching for Sustainability

Author: Bryan G. Norton

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 568

ISBN-13: 9780521007788

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This book examines from a multidisciplinary viewpoint the question of what we mean - what we should mean - by setting sustainability as a goal for environmental management. The author, trained as a philosopher of science and language, explores ways to break down the disciplinary barriers to communication and deliberation about environment policy, and to integrate science and evaluations into a more comprehensive environmental policy. Choosing sustainability as the keystone concept of environmental policy, the author explores what we can learn about sustainable living from the philosophy of pragmatism, from ecology, from economics, from planning, from conservation biology and from related disciplines. The idea of adaptive, or experimental, management provides the context, while insights from various disciplines are integrated into a comprehensive philosophy of environmental management. The book will appeal to students and professionals in the fields of environmental policy and ethics, conservation biology, and philosophy of science.

The Idea of Development in Africa
The Idea of Development in Africa

Author: Corrie Decker

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2020-10-29

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13: 110710369X

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An engaging history of how the idea of development has shaped Africa's past and present encounters with the West.