科学で最も意見が割れる遺伝子操作などの哲学的問題や、従来の哲学にも深く影響する「自由意思」「本質主義」「生まれか育ちか」といったトピックまで扱う生物哲学は、科学哲学の中でも重要なー領域としてこの40年で急浮上しました。自然淘汰による進化論、機能やデザインの概念、個体性、適応主義に関する論争など、生物学史をなぞりながら主な論点やパラダイムシフト、そして今日の中心的な問題を概説し、こうした問題に取り組むことの大切さを浮き彫りにします。
 

• Offers an accessible introduction to the core issues in the expanding field of philosophy of biology, such as the theory of evolution by natural selection; the concepts of function and design; biological individuality; and the debate over adaptationism
• Uses concrete biological examples to illustrate philosophical ideas
• Concludes with important reflections on the relevance of biology for understanding human beings, human society, and our place in the natural world
• Ideal for biology students interested in the philosophical foundations of their field

    
Over the last forty years the philosophy of biology has emerged as an important sub-discipline of the philosophy of science. Covering some of science's most divisive topics, such as philosophical issues in genetics, it also encompasses areas where modern biology has increasingly impinged on traditional philosophical questions, such as free will, essentialism, and nature vs nurture.
    
In this Very Short Introduction Samir Okasha outlines the core issues with which contemporary philosophy of biology is engaged. Offering a whistle-stop tour of the history of biology, he explores key ideas and paradigm shifts throughout the centuries, including areas such as the theory of evolution by natural selection; the concepts of function and design; biological individuality; and the debate over adaptationism. Throughout Okasha makes clear the relevance of biology for understanding human beings, human society, and our place in the natural world, and the importance of engaging with these issues.