Taking Darwin Seriously: A Naturalistic Approach to Philosophy

Ruse, Michael

ISBN 10: 0631154787 / ISBN 13: 9780631154785

Edité par Blackwell Pub, 1987

A propos de cet article

Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!

N° de réf. du vendeur S_446835735

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: Taking Darwin Seriously: A Naturalistic Approach to Philosophy
• Éditeur: Blackwell Pub
• Date de parution: 1987
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN à 10 chiffres: 0631154787
• ISBN à 13 chiffres: 9780631154785
• Reliure: paperback
• État de l'article: Very Good

A propos de ce titre

Synopsis

In this controversial and stimulating book, Michael Ruse explores the ways in which biological theory, expounded in Charles Darwin's great work, `On the Origin of Species', can most fruitfully inform philosophical understanding. Continuing the debate on evolution in general, and Darwinism in particular, the author demonstrates the ways in which accepting our `animal' nature influences our perception of the external world and our moral dealings with other people. `This, I venture to say, is the best book written to date on the philosophy of evolutionary biology. In a distinctively clear, incisive style, Ruse brings natural selection to the front of general philosophy and makes it henceforth unavoidable as part of analysis. Similarly, he shows why philosophy is an essential subject for the future of biology.' `Edward O. Wilson' `Both evolutionary biologists and philosophers will find much in it to ponder with profit.' `Nature' This book is now published in paperback for the first time. Student and professional philosophers, biologists.

Présentation de l'éditeur

First published a decade ago, Michael Ruse's Taking Darwin Seriously established itself as one of the most important works on evolutionary naturalism since Darwin's own Origin of Species in 1859. Updated with a new preface and final chapter, this timely volume challenges the threadworn arguments as well as the new claims of creationism seeping into mainstream education, science, and philosophy, and reestablishes solid arguments supporting the science of Charles Darwin.

Applying evolutionary biology to traditional philosophical problems, this volume establishes a naturalistic approach to our understanding of life's major problems. Ruse argues thoughtfully that to understand the problems of knowledge (epistemology) and of moral thought and behavior (ethics), we must know that we are the end-products of the natural process of evolution rather than the special creation of a supernatural god. At the same time, he warns evolutionists who would fashion an atheistic secular religion from their science.

Written in an easy style to interest the professional and the general reader, this book is a pillar of philosophy intended as a direct challenge to all those who would push creationism as a credible alternative to scientific evolution in public schools, universities, and as a general theory of public consumption.