The Philosophy of Biology

Oxford Readings in Philosophy

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

The aim of this series is to bring together important recent writings in major areas of philosophical inquiry, selected from a variety of sources, mostly periodicals, which may not be conveniently available to the university student or the general reader. The editors of each volume contribute an introductory essay on the items chosen and on the questions with which they deal. A selective bibliography is appended as a guide to further reading.

The philosophy of biology today is one of the most exciting areas in philosophical inquiry. Drawing on work of the past decade, this volume brings together articles from the philosophy, history, and sociology of science, as well as many branches of the biological sciences, to consider issues including the nature of evolutionary theory, biology and ethics, the challenge from religion, and the social implications of biology today (in particular the Human Genome Project).

The 36 articles in this collection are divided into 10 parts, each with an introduction by the editors. Spanning issues from epistemology across to ethics, the volume delves into the latest theoretical controversies as well as burning questions of contemporary social importance. Throughout the volume an attempt is made to offer positions from different perspectives, so that the reader will be challenged as well as informed.

The Philosophy of Biology will be essential and fascinating reading for students of philosophy and biology as well as the general reader with an interest in the natural sciences and evolution.

Genres: Philosophy, Biology, Science

782 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

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

[Sheri Fresonke Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

In covering many of the sensitive issues that have arisen in the study of biology, this book is a good resource, providing information about such things as genetically modified foods, the evolution of large size, and glacier data relating carbon dioxide, temperature, methane and dust loading.
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[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Required reading for anyone taking sides in the "intelligent design" argument.

[Alexandre Guay]

Une excellente anthologie de philosophie de la biologie. On y trouve plusieurs textes désormais classiques de cette jeune discipline. Un essentiel!