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Following Form and Function: A Philosophical Archaeology of Life Science
The concepts of form and function have traditionally been defined in terms of biology and then extended to other disciplines. Stephen T. Asma examines the various interpretations of form and function in science and philosophy, reflecting on the philosophical presuppositions underlying the work of Geoffroy, Cuvier, Darwin, and others.
In the continental tradition of Canguilhem and Foucault, Asma's treatment of the historical form/function dispute analyzes the complex interactions among ideologies, metaphysical commitments, and research programs. Following Form and Function is a significant contribution to the history of science, history of philosophy, and disputes within contemporary biology.
In the continental tradition of Canguilhem and Foucault, Asma's treatment of the historical form/function dispute analyzes the complex interactions among ideologies, metaphysical commitments, and research programs. Following Form and Function is a significant contribution to the history of science, history of philosophy, and disputes within contemporary biology.
232 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 1996
About the author
Stephen T. Asma
30 books73 followersStephen T. Asma is a philosopher, author, and professor of philosophy at Columbia College Chicago, where he is also co-founder of the Research Group in Mind, Science, and Culture. He is the author of eleven books exploring the intersections of philosophy, religion, science, imagination, and culture. His newest book, The Alchemist's Thread (HarperCollins, 2027), explores the hidden history of magic, mysticism, and esoteric spirituality, and features a foreword by actor Paul Giamatti.
His previous books include On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears (Oxford University Press), The Evolution of Imagination (University of Chicago Press), Why We Need Religion (Oxford University Press), The Emotional Mind (Harvard University Press, with Rami Gabriel), Against Fairness (University of Chicago Press), and The Gods Drink Whiskey (HarperOne).
A Fulbright Scholar, Asma has lived and taught in China and Cambodia and lectured internationally at institutions including Harvard, Oxford, Jia Tong, Fudan University, and the Smithsonian. His essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Aeon, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and other publications. His books have been translated into numerous languages.
Beyond his academic work, Asma is a visual artist and blues/jazz musician who has performed with legendary musicians including Bo Diddley and Buddy Guy. He also co-created and co-hosted the popular podcast Chinwag with Paul Giamatti, exploring mysteries, the paranormal, philosophy, and the stranger corners of human experience.
His previous books include On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears (Oxford University Press), The Evolution of Imagination (University of Chicago Press), Why We Need Religion (Oxford University Press), The Emotional Mind (Harvard University Press, with Rami Gabriel), Against Fairness (University of Chicago Press), and The Gods Drink Whiskey (HarperOne).
A Fulbright Scholar, Asma has lived and taught in China and Cambodia and lectured internationally at institutions including Harvard, Oxford, Jia Tong, Fudan University, and the Smithsonian. His essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Aeon, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and other publications. His books have been translated into numerous languages.
Beyond his academic work, Asma is a visual artist and blues/jazz musician who has performed with legendary musicians including Bo Diddley and Buddy Guy. He also co-created and co-hosted the popular podcast Chinwag with Paul Giamatti, exploring mysteries, the paranormal, philosophy, and the stranger corners of human experience.
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