An authoritative authority on the field has prepared a brief, comprehensive, and easily understandable introduction to the philosophy of biology that is both comprehensive and accessible.
The book, which is aimed at philosophers, biologists, and students of both, provides a thorough and unique discussion of the key subjects and many of the most recent advancements in the field of philosophy and biology. Peter Godfrey-Smith discusses the relationship between philosophy and science, emphasizing connections between biological theories and other areas of philosophy while carefully explaining both philosophical and biological terms.
He also examines the role of laws, mechanistic explanation, and idealized models in biological theories; describes evolution by natural selection; and evaluates attempts to extend Darwin’s mechanism to explain changes in ideas, culture, and other phenomena. Other themes covered include functions and teleology, individuality and creatures, species, the tree of life, and human nature, among many others. A detailed and cutting-edge examination of the development of cooperation, the significance of information in biology, and the role of communication in biological systems at all scales conclude the book, a valuable resource for researchers.
Anyone interested in the important philosophical concerns addressed by the biological sciences will find this book to be an indispensable resource. It is authoritative and up-to-date.
