Genetics and Philosophy: An Introduction (Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy and Biology) - Hardcover

Griffiths, Paul; Stotz, Karola

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1107002125 ISBN 13: 9781107002128

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2013

Synopsis

In the past century, nearly all of the biological sciences have been directly affected by discoveries and developments in genetics, a fast-evolving subject with important theoretical dimensions. In this rich and accessible book, Paul Griffiths and Karola Stotz show how the concept of the gene has evolved and diversified across the many fields that make up modern biology. By examining the molecular biology of the 'environment', they situate genetics in the developmental biology of whole organisms, and reveal how the molecular biosciences have undermined the nature/nurture distinction. Their discussion gives full weight to the revolutionary impacts of molecular biology, while rejecting 'genocentrism' and 'reductionism', and brings the topic right up to date with the philosophical implications of the most recent developments in genetics. Their book will be invaluable for those studying the philosophy of biology, genetics and other life sciences.

About this title

Book Description:

This volume documents how the molecular biosciences have outgrown the nature/nurture distinction, and situates genetics in the context of the developmental biology of whole organisms. For those studying the philosophy of biology, genetics, and other life sciences.

About the Author:

Paul Griffiths is University Professorial Research Fellow at the University of Sydney. He is the author of What Emotions Really Are: The Problem of Psychological Categories (1997) and Sex and Death: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology (with K. Sterelny, 1999). He is the editor of Trees of Life: Essays in Philosophy of Biology (1992), Biology and Philosophy (2000) and Cycles of Contingency: Developmental Systems and Evolution (with S. Oyama and R. D. Gray, 2001).

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1107002125
• ISBN 13: 9781107002128
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 278