Genetics and Philosophy: An Introduction

Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy and Biology

by Paul E. Griffiths, Karola Stotz

In the past century, nearly all of the biological sciences have been directly affected by discoveries and developments in genetics, a fast-evolving subject with important theoretical dimensions. In this rich and accessible book, Paul Griffiths and Karola Stotz show how the concept of the gene has evolved and diversified across the many fields that make up modern biology. By examining the molecular biology of the 'environment', they situate genetics in the developmental biology of whole organisms, and reveal how the molecular biosciences have undermined the nature/nurture distinction. Their discussion gives full weight to the revolutionary impacts of molecular biology, while rejecting 'genocentrism' and 'reductionism', and brings the topic right up to date with the philosophical implications of the most recent developments in genetics. Their book will be invaluable for those studying the philosophy of biology, genetics and other life sciences.

Genres: Philosophy, Biology

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2013

Reviews

[Nick Geiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to both the history and current research in genetics as well as philosophical issues around reductionism, explanation, and causation raised by this research. The authors give the reader a very good sense of where various disagreements lie and what is at stake. A good example of this feature is chapter 7 on behavioral genetics vs. developmental systems theory.

[Mills College Library]

572.86 G8557 2013

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

‪Excellent science, mathematics, philosophy, and bibliography; what’s not to like?‬