Companion to the Philosophy of Biology

Sahotra Sarkar is Professor of Integrative Biology, Geography and the Environment, and Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of Genetics and Reductionism: A Primer (1998), Biodiversity and Environmental Philosophy (2005), Molecular Models of Life (2005), Doubting Darwin? Creationist Designs on Evolution (2007); co-author of Systematic Conservation Planning (2007); editor of several books, including The Philosophy and History of Molecular Biology (1996), the six-volume Science and the Philosophy in the Twentieth Century: Basic Works of Logical Empiricism (1996), and the two-volume The Philosophy of Science: An Encyclopedia (2006). Anya Plutynski is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Utah. She specializes in the history and philosophy of science.

“This book is a companion to the philosophy of biology, and it not only should be of interest to scholars in philosophy of biology, but it also may be utilized by classroom educators teaching courses in philosophy of biology, theoretical biology, and evolutionary theory." (Science & Education, April 2010) "Many of the discussions here start with a definition of terms and a historical context of the subject before delving into the deeper philosophical issues, making it a useful reference for students of biology as well as philosophy." (Northeastern Naturalist, April 2008) "The topics that are addressed are done so well. This book will appeal to the advanced student and knowledgeable amateur and may prove useful catalyst for discussion among research teams or those engaged in cross-disciplinary studies." (Reference Reviews, February 2009) "Sarkar and Plutynski have compiled a series of essays about the philosophical implications of traditional and emergent biological studies. Among the areas discussed are genetics, immunology and evolutionary psychology." (Columbia College Today Alumni Magazine, February 2009) "A Companion to the Philosophy of Biology will be a very useful guide not only for philosophers but also for historians, sociologists and biologists. Its greatest asset is that it expands beyond the scope of recently published textbooks in philosophy of biology by including a detailed treatment of philosophical aspects of medicine, ecology, mind and behavior and that it places the themes in their historic context. The diversity of areas covered will appeal to students of general interest as well as specialists. Especially helpful is that most chapters end with an extended 'Reference' and often an additional 'Further reading' section that will allow readers to research the individual topics in greater depth." (Metapsychology Reviews Online) "The book is similar to, though different enough to distinguish itself from, its closest kin, The Oxford Handbook of the Philosophy of Biology, edited by Michael Ruse (2008), and The Cambridge Companion to the Philosophy of Biology, edited by David Hull and Michael Ruse. They do not offer essays on language, biodiversity, or models, which are included in the present volume. Recommended." (Choice, November 2008)

• List of Figures. List of Tables. Notes on Contributors. Acknowledgments. Introduction: Sahotra Sarkar (University of Texas) and Anya Plutynski (University of Utah). I. Molecular Biology and Genetics:. II.1. Gene Concepts: Hans-Jorg Rheinberger (Max Planck Institute for the History of Science) and Staffan Muller-Wulle (University of Exeter). II.2. Biological Information: Stefan Artmann (University of Jena). II.3. Heredity and Heritability: Richard Lewontin (Harvard University). II.4. Genomics, Proteomics, and Beyond: Sahotra Sarkar (University of Texas). II. Evolution:. III.1. Darwinism and Neo-Darwinism: James G. Lennox (University of Pittsburgh). III.2. Systematics and Taxonomy: Marc Ereshefsky (University of Calgary). III.3. Population Genetics: Christopher Stephens (University of British Columbia). III.4. The Units and Levels of Selection: Samir Okasha (University of Bristol). III.5. Molecular Evolution: Michael R. Dietrich (Dartmouth College). III.6. Speciation and Macroevolution: Anya Plutynski (University of Utah). III.7. Adaptationism: Peter Godfrey-Smith (Harvard University) and Jon F. Wilkins (Harvard University). III. Developmental Biology:. IV.1. Phenotypic Plasticity and Reaction Norms: Jonathan M. Kaplan (University of Tennessee). IV.2. Explaining the Ontogeny of Form: Philosophical Issues: Alan C. Love (University of Minnesota). IV.3. Development and Evolution: Ron Amundson (University of Hawaii). IV. Medicine:. V.1. Self and Nonself: Moira Howes (Trent University). V.2. Health and Disease: Dominic Murphy (Caltech). V. Ecology:. VI.1. Population Ecology: Mark Colyvan (University of Sydney). VI.2.Complexity, Diversity, and Stability: James Justus (University of Texas, Austin). VI.3. Ecosystems: Kent A. Peacock (University of Lethbridge). VI.4. Biodiversity: Its Meaning and Value: Bryan G. Norton (Georgia Institute of Technology). VI. Mind and Behavior:. VII.1. Ethology, Sociobiology, and Evolutionary Psychology: Paul E. Griffiths (University of Pittsburgh). VII.2. Cooperation: J. McKenzie Alexander (London School of Economics). VII.3. Language and Evolution: Derek Bickerton (University of Hawaii). VII. Experimentation, Theory, and Themes:. VIII.1. What is Life?: Mark A. Bedau (Reed College). VIII.2. Experimentation: Marcel Weber (University of Hanover). VIII.3. Laws and Theories: Marc Lange (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill). VIII.4. Models: Jay Odenbaugh (Lewis and Clark College). VIII.5. Function and Teleology: Justin Garson (University of Texas, Austin). VIII.6. Reductionism in Biology: Alexander Rosenberg (Duke University). Index