Product Description

This set of original essays by some of the best names in philosophy of science explores a range of diverse issues in the intersection of biology and epistemology. It asks whether the study of life requires a special biological approach to knowledge and concludes that it does not. The studies, taken together, help to develop and deepen our understanding of how biology works and what counts as warranted knowledge and as legitimate approaches to the study of life. The first section deals with the nature of evidence and evolutionary theory as it came to dominate nineteenth-century philosophy of science; the second and third parts deal with the impact of laboratory and experimental research. This is an impressive team of authors, bringing together some of the most distinguished philosophers of science today. The volume will interest professionals and graduate students in biology and the history and philosophy of science.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1109306 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 313 pages

Review
"This is an excellent anthology from multiple perspectives. It provides an overview of current research in the field and insight into how a wide variety of epistemological issues are related to one another, making it requireed reading for anyone interested in philosophy of biology and broader issues in philosophy of science." Isis

"Biology and Epistemology instructs us as historians and philosophers of biology to keep in mind the essential relationship between epistemology and biology, and suggests that a complete understanding of controversies in biology often cannot be obtained without an understanding of the underlying disagreements in epistemology. It reminds us of the richness and variety of epistemologies, warning against overly simplistic approaches." Journal of the History of Biology

"Biology and Epistemology instructs us as historians and philosophers of biology to keep in mind the essential relationship between epistemology and biology, and suggests that a complete understanding of controversies in biology often cannot be obtained without an understanding of the underlying disagreements in epistemology. It reminds us of the richness and variety of epistemologies, warning against overly simplistic approaches." Journal of the History of Biology

"...this diverse and challenging book leaves nothing to wish for. Biology and Epistemology is a notable contribution to the philosophy of science which persuasively shows why biology will be 'the next big thing.'" Philosophy in Review