Philosophy Of Biology

by Elliott Sober

Overview

Perhaps because of it implications for our understanding of human nature, recent philosophy of biology has seen what might be the most dramatic work in the philosophies of the 'special' sciences. This drama has centered on evolutionary theory, and in the second edition of this textbook, Elliott Sober introduces the reader to the most important issues of these developments. With a rare combination of technical sophistication and clarity of expression, Sober engages both the higher level of theory and the direct implications for such controversial issues as creationism, teleology, nature versus nurture, and sociobiology. Above all, the reader will gain from this book a firm grasp of the structure of evolutionary theory, the evidence for it, and the scope of its explanatory significance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813391267
Publisher:	Westview Press
Publication date:	01/12/2000
Series:	Dimensions of Philosophy Series
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	254
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Elliott Sober

Table of Contents

* What Is Evolutionary Theory? * Creationism * Fitness * The Units of Selection Problem * Adaptionism * Systematics * Sociobiology and the Extension of Evolutionary Theory

Editorial Reviews

Sober (philosophy, U. of Wisconsin-Madison) introduces developments in the philosophy of biology that have taken place over the past few years. He discusses both lofty theory and implications for such controversial issues as creationism, teleology, nature versus nurture, and sociobiology. In particular he sets out the structure of evolutionary theory, the evidence for it, and the scope of its explanatory significance. No date is mentioned for the first edition. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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