The philosophy of human evolution / Michael Ruse.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ruse, Michael.

Series:

Cambridge introductions to philosophy and biology

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Human evolution--Philosophy.

Human evolution.

Human evolution--Social aspects.

Physical Description:

x, 271 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2012.

Summary:

"This book provides a unique discussion of human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint, looking at the facts and interpretations since Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man. Michael Ruse explores such topics as the nature of scientific theories, the relationships between culture and biology, the problem of progress and the extent to which evolutionary issues pose problems for religious beliefs. He identifies these issues, highlighting the problems for morality in a world governed by natural selection. By taking a philosophical viewpoint, the full ethical and moral dimensions of human evolution are examined. This book engages the reader in a thorough discussion of the issues, appealing to students in philosophy, biology and anthropology"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

1. Evolutionary biology

2. Human evolution

3. Real science? Good science?

4. Progress

5. Knowledge

6. Morality

7. Sex, orientation, and race

8. From eugenics to medicine.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 246-264) and index.

ISBN:

9780521117937

0521117933

9780521133722

0521133726

OCLC:

753301302

Online:

Cover image