Philosophy of Biology

Biologists study life in its various physical forms, while philosophers of biology seek answers to questions about the nature, purpose, and impact of this research. What permits us to distinguish between living and nonliving things even though both are made of the same minerals? Is the complex structure of organisms proof that a creative force is working itself out over aeons of time? What moral and social questions arise regarding modern advances in biotechnology? What is more relevant to human nature: genetics or sociocultural influences? Are we unique in the universe or might other forms of life exist out there somewhere? Is Darwinism the death-knell of God? These are just some of the vital questions addressed by a distinguished group of philosophers and scientists which includes: Aristotle, Francisco J. Ayala, Michael Benton, Tom Bethell, President George W. Bush, Joe Cain, David Castle, Charles Darwin, Richard Dawkins, Michael Denton, A.G.N. Flew, Brian Goodwin, Stephan Jay Gould, J.B.S, Haldane, John Haught, D.W.E. Hone, Immanuel Kant, James Kirchner, Philip Kitcher, James Lovelock, Jane Maienschein, Ernst Mayr, Greg Mikkelson, Paul Nelson, Lesley Orgal, William Paley, Robert Pennock, Christopher Pynes, Mark Ridley, Holmes Rolston III, Michael Ruse, Lee Silver, Elliott Sober, Derek Turner, the Prince of Wales, George C. Williams, and Edward O. Wilson. This second edition contains material on design without selection, testing macroevolutionary claims, recent biotechnological issues, key ecological concerns, the Gaia hypothesis, genetically modified foods, and the so-called Intelligent Design movement.