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A companion to the philosophy of biology
There are many different ways to do the philosophy of biology. At one end of a spectrum of possibilities would be works of general philosophical interest drawing on biological examples for illustration and support. At the other end would be works that deal only with conceptual and methodological issues that arise within the practice of biology. The strategy of this book is closer to the second way of approaching the subject. It aims
to provide overviews of philosophical issues as they arise in a variety of areas of contemporary biology. Traditionally, evolution has been the focus of most philosophical attention. While it surely remains true that “nothing in biology makes sense except in light of evolution”, this tradition within the philosophy of biology
is myopic insofar as it ignores much – if not most – of the work in contemporary biology. Intended primarily for students and beginning scholars, this book takes a wider perspective and addresses philosophical questions arising in molecular biology, developmental biology, immunology, ecology, and theories of mind and behavior. It also explores general themes in the philosophy of biology, for instance, the role of laws and theories, reductionism, and experimentation. In this respect, this book aims to break new ground in the philosophy of biology. Before we turn to what is new, let us briefl y look at the background from which contemporary philosophy of biology emerged.
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