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Evolution Extended: Biological Debates on the Meaning of Life
As in her first well-received anthology, From Gaia to Selfish Genes, Connie Barlow has woven selections from the writings of biologists and philosophers into a unified whole. Once again she explores a range of viewpoints as she invites readers to formulate their own opinions. Editorial passages provide the historical context and introduce the debates that have ensued whenever evolutionary biology has been extended into the realm of meaning.
- GenresScience
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 22, 1994
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 14, 2026
Banger anthology covering many of the historical debates in evolutionary biology and philosophy of biology. Is evolution a progressive process, culminating in humans? Is human consciousness of cosmic significance, ie “the universe coming to know itself”? Can/should we rescue a form of spirituality from evolutionary biology or is human evolution better understood as the result of random chance? What role does evolutionary biology play in how we conceive of our purpose and responsibility on Earth now that “God is dead”. Etc. 5/5
It also touches on modern (in 1994) biological concepts such as the Gaia Hypothesis, Endosymbiotic Theory, and the Selfish Gene. In 2026, endosymbiosis is a widely accepted fact, the idea of the selfish gene is of relevance, and while the Gaia hypothesis isn’t seen as a scientifically accurate description of the Earth (although some argue it is, with decent evidence), it is at least acknowledged to be a useful aesthetic worldview.
The last third of the anthology focuses on human’s role on Earth, and our self-perceived purpose, during the 20th century when we fully shook off our dusty, superstitious anthropogenic metaphysics and began to see that we are indeed a product of natural processes in a vast, cold, and otherwise unfeeling universe. What do we do with this knowledge? It’s a massive question and one that this anthology compelled me to grapple with. We significantly influence the Earth at a planetary level. What will we do with this awesome responsibility? In 2026, the answer will depress you. But ecologically holistic ideas deriving values from an appreciation for the necessity and history of human integration and dependence on nature, such as the Gaia image, make me feel hopeful.
It also touches on modern (in 1994) biological concepts such as the Gaia Hypothesis, Endosymbiotic Theory, and the Selfish Gene. In 2026, endosymbiosis is a widely accepted fact, the idea of the selfish gene is of relevance, and while the Gaia hypothesis isn’t seen as a scientifically accurate description of the Earth (although some argue it is, with decent evidence), it is at least acknowledged to be a useful aesthetic worldview.
The last third of the anthology focuses on human’s role on Earth, and our self-perceived purpose, during the 20th century when we fully shook off our dusty, superstitious anthropogenic metaphysics and began to see that we are indeed a product of natural processes in a vast, cold, and otherwise unfeeling universe. What do we do with this knowledge? It’s a massive question and one that this anthology compelled me to grapple with. We significantly influence the Earth at a planetary level. What will we do with this awesome responsibility? In 2026, the answer will depress you. But ecologically holistic ideas deriving values from an appreciation for the necessity and history of human integration and dependence on nature, such as the Gaia image, make me feel hopeful.
jun
February 21, 2018116 EVO
Jun borrowed.
Jun borrowed.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews