Critical Overview of Biological Functions

Justin Garson is an assistant professor of philosophy at Hunter College-CUNY. He has authored or co-authored dozens articles in the philosophy of science, the history of neuroscience and medicine, and biodiversity conservation. His first book, The Biological Mind: A Philosophical Introduction, shows how philosophical reflection on biology is crucial for solving long-standing puzzles of the human mind. He is also an editor of the forthcoming Routledge Handbook of the Philosophy of Biodiversity.

“The author provides an impressive and concise review of the debate on the various accounts of functions that are held by recent and current philosophers. … this book should be very helpful as a reference map of the accounts defended in current literature and as an introduction to the field. … We advise it mostly for a philosophical readership, as a map of the field.” (Maël Montévil, Science and Education, Vol. 26, 2017)

• Chapter 1. What is a theory of function supposed to do?.- Chapter 2. Goals and Functions.- Chapter 3. Function and Selection.- Chapter 4. Function and Fitness.- Chapter 5. Functions and Causal Roles.- Chapter 6. Alternative Accounts of Function.- Chapter 7. Conclusion: What Next?.