Philosophy of Biology

Oxford Readings in Philosophy

by Michael Ruse

Biologists study life in its various physical forms, while philosophers of biology seek answers to questions about the nature, purpose, and impact of this research. What permits us to distinguish between living and nonliving things even though both are made of the same minerals? Is the complex structure of organisms proof that a creative force is working its will in the physical universe, or are existing life-forms the random result of an evolutionary process working itself out over eons of time? What moral and social questions arise regarding modern advances in biotechnology? What is more relevant to human genetics or sociocultural influences? Is Darwinism the death-knell of God? These are just some of the vital questions addressed by a distinguished group of philosophers and scientists which Aristotle, Francisco J. Ayala, , Michael Benton, Tom Bethell, Joe Cain, David Castle, Charles Darwin, Richard Dawkins, Michael Denton, A.G.N. Flew, Stephen Jay Gould, J.B.S. Haldane, John F. Haught, D. W. E. Hone, James W. Kirchner, James Lovelock, Jane Maienschein, Ernst Mayr, Gregory M. Mikkelson, Leslie Orgal, William Paley, the Prince of Wales, Christopher Pynes, Richard A. Richards, Mark Ridley, Holmes Rolston III, Michael Ruse, Lee Silver, Elliott Sober, Kim Sterelny, Derek Turner, and Edward O. Wilson. This second edition contains material on design without selection, testing macroevolutionary claims, recent biotechnological issues, key ecological concerns, the Gaia hypothesis, genetically modified foods, and the so-called intelligent design movement.

Genres: Philosophy, Biology, Science

Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Michael Escott Ruse was a British-born Canadian philosopher of science who specialised in the philosophy of biology and worked on the relationship between science and religion, the creation–evolution controversy, and the demarcation problem within science. Ruse began his career teaching at The University of Guelph and spent many years at Florida State University.

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!