This book examines sociobiology and evolution from the scientific and philosophical perspectives. Both sociobiology and evolution are areas of modern biology fraught with controversy and misunderstanding, yet fundamental to a coherent view of human life. For scientists and philosophers of science, at issue are the basic underpinnings of biology: explanation, determination, teleology, reductionism, and hierarchy. Professor Dyke describes the controversies involved, and argues that progress in sociobiology and evolution is hindered by an outmoded philosophical view of science - one that does not adequately take into account recent advances in our understanding of basic biological processes. The author aims to shift the focus from a philosophical understanding of biology to a dynamic, philosophically aware science.
Reviews
"Dyke's book . . . is radical in both methodology and content . . . . those dissatisfied with the dominant scientific paradigm will delight in Dyke's iconoclasm . . . . his efforts to explain the emergence of living systems from prelife in chemical terms are admirable. Taken alone, they are worth the price of the book" --John Collier, Biology and Philosophy



Book Information
ISBN 9780195051766
Author C. Dyke
Format Hardback
Page Count 174
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 482g
Dimensions(mm) 243mm * 162mm * 20mm