The philosophically most challenging science today, arguably, is no longer physics but biology. It is hardly an exaggeration to state that Charles Darwin has shaped modern evolutionary biology more significantly than anyone else. Moreover, since Darwin's day, philosophers and scientists have realized the enormous philosophical potential of Darwinism and have tried to expand his insights well beyond the limits of biology. However, no consensus has been achieved. The aim of this collection of essays is to revive a comprehensive discussion of the meaning and the philosophical implications of "Darwinism."

The contributors to Darwinism and Philosophy are international scholars from the fields of philosophy, science, and history of ideas. A strength of this collection is that it brings together sustained reflection from American and Continental philosophical traditions. The conclusions of the contributors vary, but taken together their essays successfully map the problems of interpreting "Darwinism."

About the Author

Vittorio Hoesle is Paul G. Kimball Chair of Arts and Letters in the Department of German Languages & Literatures, concurrent professor of philosophy, and concurrent professor of government and international studies at the University of Notre Dame.

Christian Illies is university lecturer, Technical University Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

Reviews

"This is a volume that will be of considerable interest to a number of scholarly communities as well as general readers. There are very few books like it and none as accessible as this one." -Paul Farber, Oregon State University

"Darwinism and Philosophy explores the philosophical implications of the theory of evolution in a broad sense. First, it examines the metaphysical presuppositions of evolutionary theory . . . Second, it explores the relationship between naturalism and Darwinism . . . Finally, contributors consider the epistemological and moral consequences of the theory, including discussions of genetics and agency, sociobiology and ethics, and evolutionary epistemology . . . Recommended." -Choice

"...an inherently fascinating series of essays by knowledgeable scholars on the significant and continuing philosophical potential of Charles Darwin's principles of evolutionary biology. ...a seminal body of work that is an essential contribution to the fields of Evolutionary Studies and Philosophy." -The Midwest Book Review

"The editors-both very philosophically savvy-contributed two of the essays and provide helpful introductions to different aspects of the inquiry. The writing is accessible . . . and given the current media coverage of evolutionism, creationism, and intelligent design, this book [will] appeal to a wide audience." -Library Journal

" . . . a must-have entry in the library of any scientist or philosopher who is interested in this important bridge between the two cultures." -The Quarterly Review of Biology

". . . a significant contribution to a timely problem. Attacks on Darwinian biology are still being launched by fundamentalist religion, and while it is not difficult to dismiss the naive arguments of creationism and intelligent design theory, it is a more serious matter to delineate the compatibilities and incompatibilities of a scientific, mechanistic, naturalistic view of life and humans for more sophisticated metaphysical stances. This volume sheds new light on these harder questions." -ISIS

" . . . anyone interested in metaphysics and philosophy of science would find this book pleasing. The never satisfied human curiosity about being and the origin of life finds intriguing and stimulating questions and answers in this exceptional and well-organized volume." -Dialogue

"The editors of Darwinism & Philosophy hope this collection of essays will 'start a new and more comprehensive discussion about the philosophical implications of Darwinism.' They invited scientists and philosophers to discuss both historical and systematic issues. Some of the recurring topics include: What nonempirical assumptions does Darwinism make? Can they be justified? Does Darwinism make problematic the definition of 'truth?' Can epistemology transcend relativism? How is evolution's novelty related to 'progress?'"-Religious Studies Review

"Darwinism & Philosophyis a highly diverse and very interesting collection of essays on the philosophical implications of Darwinism.... The authors explore, in a variety of ways, what Darwin's dangerous idea (Daniel Dennett) entails for doing philosophy. The book is unique not only because it is the first in its kind to offer such a wide ranging account of the influence of Darwinism on philosophy. There are three more reasons that make it a truly exceptional enterprise. First, it offers contributions by both philosophers and scientists. Second, it presents not only systematic analyses but also historical expositions. And third -and most gratifying in my opinion -- it has taken the opportunity to include some highly distinguished 'continental' philosophers in its list of contributors. ...this book represents a state of the art assessment of the implications of Darwinism for the philosophical enterprise." -Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

Book Information
ISBN 9780268030735
Author Vittorio Hoesle
Format Paperback
Page Count 402
Imprint University of Notre Dame Press
Publisher University of Notre Dame Press
Weight(grams) 540g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 21mm