Biological classification : a philosophical introduction / Richard A. Richards.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Richards, Richard A., author.

Series:

Cambridge introductions to philosophy and biology

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Biology--Classification--Philosophy.

Biology.

Biology--Classification.

Philosophy.

Physical Description:

ix, 302 pages ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, United Kingdom : Cambridge University Press, 2016.

Summary:

Modern biological classification is based on the system developed by Linnaeus, and interpreted by Darwin as representing the tree of life. But despite its widespread acceptance, the evolutionary interpretation has some problems and limitations. This comprehensive book provides a single resource for understanding all the main philosophical issues and controversies about biological classification. It surveys the history of biological classification from Aristotle to contemporary phylogenetics and shows how modern biological classification has developed and changed over time. Readers will also be able to see how biological classification is in part a consequence of human psychology, language development and culture. The book will be valuable for student readers and others interested in a range of topics in philosophy and biology.

Contents:

List of illustrations

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Why classify?

2. The Aristotelian framework

3. The Darwinian pivot

4. Evolutionary taxonomy and the cladistic challenge

5. The tree of life

6. The species problem

7. The metaphysics of biological classification

8. Theory and the world

9. The essential tension.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781107687844

9781107065376

1107065372

1107687845

OCLC:

949872317

Publisher Number:

99969114614