Philosophy of Biology

by Peter Godfrey-Smith

Overview

An essential introduction to the philosophy of biology

This is a concise, comprehensive, and accessible introduction to the philosophy of biology written by a leading authority on the subject. Geared to philosophers, biologists, and students of both, the book provides sophisticated and innovative coverage of the central topics and many of the latest developments in the field. Emphasizing connections between biological theories and other areas of philosophy, and carefully explaining both philosophical and biological terms, Peter Godfrey-Smith discusses the relation between philosophy and science; examines the role of laws, mechanistic explanation, and idealized models in biological theories; describes evolution by natural selection; and assesses attempts to extend Darwin's mechanism to explain changes in ideas, culture, and other phenomena. Further topics include functions and teleology, individuality and organisms, species, the tree of life, and human nature. The book closes with detailed, cutting-edge treatments of the evolution of cooperation, of information in biology, and of the role of communication in living systems at all scales.

Authoritative and up-to-date, this is an essential guide for anyone interested in the important philosophical issues raised by the biological sciences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691140018
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	01/26/2014
Series:	Princeton Foundations of Contemporary Philosophy , #8
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 6.40(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Peter Godfrey-Smith is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the CUNY Graduate Center. He is the author of Theory and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science and Darwinian Populations and Natural Selection.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

CHAPTER ONE Philosophy and Biology 1

CHAPTER TWO Laws, Mechanisms, and Models 11

CHAPTER THREE Evolution and Natural Selection 28

CHAPTER FOUR Adaptation, Construction, Function 50

CHAPTER FIVE Individuals 66

CHAPTER SIX Genes 81

CHAPTER SEVEN Species and the Tree of Life 100

CHAPTER EIGHT Evolution and Social Behavior 120

CHAPTER NINE Information 144

References 159

Index 179

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"This accessible book does justice both to the subject and the reader. With admirable clarity, Peter Godfrey-Smith demonstrates why the philosophy of biology is one of the most exciting areas in contemporary philosophy."—Philip Kitcher, Columbia University

"This is a provocative and exciting look at many of the central issues in the philosophy of biology. Godfrey-Smith's book will shape the philosophical discussion for many years to come."—Michael Weisberg, University of Pennsylvania

"Clearly written and up to date, this valuable book provides a really useful overview of the philosophy of biology, as well as some distinctive arguments. Perhaps uniquely, the book succeeds in presenting its topics as clearly philosophical while engaging the relevant biology."—John Dupré, University of Exeter

Editorial Reviews

One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2014

From the Publisher

"Here, Godfrey-Smith, a prominent and prolific scholar working in the field, delivers an elegant and stimulating analysis of key areas in the life sciences where conceptual questions arise regularly. . . . Godfrey-Smith provides an exemplar of expositional clarity and philosophical insight for those who would imitate his approach in these domains."

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