This major new series in the philosophy of science aims to provide a new generation of textbooks for the subject. The series will not only offer fresh treatments of core topics in the theory and methodology of scientific knowledge, but also introductions to newer areas of the discipline. Furthermore, the series will cover topics in current science that raise significant foundational issues both for scientific theory and for philosophy more generally. Biology raises distinct questions of its own not only for philosophy of science, but for metaphysics, epistemology and ethics. This comprehensive new textbook for a rapidly growing field of study provides students new to the subject with an up-to-date presentation of the key philosophical issues. Care is taken throughout to keep the technicalities accessible to the non-biologist but without sacrificing the philosophical subtleties. The first part of the book covers the philosophical challenges posed by evolution and evolutionary biology, beginning with Darwin's central argument in the Origin of the Species. Individual chapters cover natural selection, the selfish gene, alternative units of selection, developmental systems theory, adaptionism and issues in macroevolution. The second part of the book examines philosophical questions arising in connection with biological traits, function, nature and nurture, and biological kinds. The third part of the book examines metaphysical questions, biology's relation with the traditional concerns of philosophy of science, and how evolution has been introduced into epistemological debates. The final part considers the relevance of biology to questions about ethics, religion and human nature.

About the Author
Brian Garvey is Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Lancaster.

Reviews
"An accessibly written introductory textbook that covers considerable ground... views and arguments are explained clearly. Garvey's book illustrates how biology has become relevant for a wide range of disciplines, including epistemology, religion, and ethics. Some of these topics are not always seen as parts of philosophy of biology proper. In taking a broad and inclusive view of philosophy of biology, the book may appeal to a readership with diverse interests and backgrounds." - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science "Brian Garvey's book on the philosophy of biology is an excellent introduction to the topic and deserves to be widely read. Students will come away informed and excited about the subject." - Michael Ruse, Florida State University "An intelligent and engaging book that gives clear and stimulating coverage of a good range of topics in the philosophy of biology." - James Maclaurin, University of Otago



Book Information
ISBN 9781844650705
Author Brian Garvey
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Acumen Publishing Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 750g