Philosophy of Microbiology

This book fills a major gap in the philosophy of biology by examining central philosophical issues in microbiology.

Maureen O'Malley (Author)

9781107621503, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 August 2014

280 pages, 26 b/w illus. 1 table
22.6 x 15 x 2 cm, 0.41 kg

'Philosophy of Microbiology is a thought-provoking and comprehensive look at the influence of microbiology on how we conceive of and study the living world.' Paul Sniegowski, The Quarterly Review of Biology

Microbes and microbiology are seldom encountered in philosophical accounts of the life sciences. Although microbiology is a well-established science and microbes the basis of life on this planet, neither the organisms nor the science have been seen as philosophically significant. This book will change that. It fills a major gap in the philosophy of biology by examining central philosophical issues in microbiology. Topics are drawn from evolutionary microbiology, microbial ecology, and microbial classification. These discussions are aimed at philosophers and scientists who wish to gain insight into the basic philosophical issues of microbiology.

An introduction to philosophy of microbiology
1. Philosophy in microbiology
microbes in philosophy
2. Philosophical debates in high-level microbial classification
3. Philosophical debates in species-level microbial classification
4. Philosophical issues in microbial evolution
5. Microbial ecology from a philosophical perspective
6. Microbes as model biological systems
Conclusion. Further philosophical questions.

Subject Areas: Microbiology [non-medical PSG], Immunology [MJCM], Philosophy [HP]