What Makes Biology Unique?: Considerations on the Autonomy of a Scientific Discipline

Mayr, Ernst

ISBN 10: 0521841143 / ISBN 13: 9780521841146

Published by Cambridge University Press (edition 1), 2004

About this Item

With dust jacket. The item might be beaten up but readable. May contain markings or highlighting, as well as stains, bent corners, or any other major defect, but the text is not obscured in any way.

Seller Inventory # 0521841143-7-1-29

Bibliographic Details

• Title: What Makes Biology Unique?: Considerations on the Autonomy of a Scientific Discipline
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (edition 1)
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521841143
• ISBN 13: 9780521841146
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1.
• Condition: Fair
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

About this title

Synopsis

This collection of revised and new essays argues that biology is an autonomous science rather than a branch of the physical sciences. Ernst Mayr, widely considered the most eminent evolutionary biologist of the 20th century, offers insights on the history of evolutionary thought, critiques the conditions of philosophy to the science of biology, and comments on several of the major developments in evolutionary theory. Notably, Mayr explains that Darwin's theory of evolution is actually five separate theories, each with its own history, trajectory and impact. Ernst Mayr, commonly referred to as the "Darwin of the 20th century" and listed as one of the top 100 scientists of all-time, is Professor Emeritus at Harvard University. What Makes Biology Unique is the 25th book he has written during his long and prolific career. His recent books include This is Biology: The Science of the Living World (Belknap Press, 1997) and What Evolution Is (Basic Books, 2002).

About the Author

Ernst Mayr (1904–2005) was Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University. For his contributions as an evolutionary biologist, taxonomist, ornithologist, as well as historian and philosopher of biology, Mayr was hailed as 'the Darwin of the 20th century'.