The Cambridge Companion to the Philosophy of Biology

by David L. Hull (Editor), Michael Ruse (Editor)

The philosophy of biology is one of the most exciting new areas in the field of philosophy and one that is attracting much attention from working scientists. This Companion, edited by two of the founders of the field, includes newly commissioned essays by senior scholars and up-and-coming younger scholars who collectively examine the main areas of the subject - the nature of evolutionary theory, classification, teleology and function, ecology, and the problematic relationship between biology and religion, among other topics. Up-to-date and comprehensive in its coverage, this unique volume will be of interest not only to professional philosophers but also to students in the humanities and researchers in the life sciences and related areas of inquiry.

Genres: Philosophy, Biology, Nonfiction, Science, Reference

544 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

David Lee Hull was an American philosopher who was most notable for founding the field philosophy of biology. Additionally, Hull is recognized within evolutionary culture studies as contributing heavily in early discussions of the conceptualization of memetics. In addition to his academic prominence, he was well known as a gay man who fought for the rights of other gay and lesbian philosophers. Hull was partnered with Richard "Dick" Wellman, a Chicago school teacher, until Wellman's passing during the drafting of Science as Process.

Reviews

[Fred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good! Covers several current topics in the philosophy of biology. I enjoyed particulary the inclusion of a chapter on population genetics. The only drawback is that, as in any edited book the topics and styles might be a little contrasting.