The Cambridge Companion to Darwin

A second, updated edition of this indispensable resource for teaching or researching Darwin's theories and their historical and philosophical interpretations.

Jonathan Hodge (Edited by), Gregory Radick (Edited by)

9780521884754, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 March 2009

564 pages
23.4 x 16 x 3 cm, 1.1 kg

Joint review with The Cambridge Companion to the 'Origin of Species': ' … undeniably a great introduction to Darwin, his ideas and his legacies. With the wealth of historical and philosophical analyses, and the great variety of contributions covering major problems within the field, they constitute an indispensable tool for any teacher or student of Darwin and Darwinism. The general public will find a complete presentation of Darwin's thinking, while the scholarly can enjoy a number of revisionist claims sure to provoke responses, critical and otherwise.' Thierry Hoquet, The Journal of BJHS

The naturalist and geologist Charles Darwin (1809–82) ranks as one of the most influential scientific thinkers of all time. In the nineteenth century his ideas about the history and diversity of life - including the evolutionary origin of humankind - contributed to major changes in the sciences, philosophy, social thought and religious belief. The Cambridge Companion to Darwin has established itself as an indispensable resource for anyone teaching or researching Darwin's theories and their historical and philosophical interpretations. Its distinguished team of contributors examines Darwin's main scientific ideas and their development; Darwin's science in the context of its times; the influence of Darwinian thought in recent philosophical, social and religious debate; and the importance of Darwinian thought for the future of naturalist philosophy. For this second edition, coverage has been expanded to include two new chapters: on Darwin, Hume and human nature, and on Darwin's theories in the intellectual long run, from the pre-Socratics to the present.

Preface
Introduction Jonathan Hodge and Gregory Radick
Part I. Darwin's Theorising: 1. The making of a philosophical naturalist Phillip R. Sloan
2. The notebook programmes and projects of Darwin's London years Jonathan Hodge
3. Darwin on generation, pangenesis and sexual selection Jim Endersby
4. Darwin on mind, morals and emotions Robert J. Richards
5. The arguments in the Origin of Species C. Kenneth Waters
Part II. Historical Contexts: 6. Is the theory of natural selection independent of its history? Gregory Radick
7. Darwin's science and Victorian philosophy of science David L. Hull
8. Darwin and Victorian Christianity John Hedley Brooke
9. Darwin, social Darwinism and eugenics Diane B. Paul
10. The place of Darwin's theories in the intellectual long run Jonathan Hodge and Gregory Radick
Part III. Current Issues: 11. From Darwin to today in evolutionary biology Jean Gayon
12. Metaphysical and epistemological issues in modern Darwinian theory Elliott Sober
13. Darwinian concepts in the philosophy of mind Kim Sterelny
14. Darwinism in moral philosophy and social theory Alex Rosenberg
15. Belief in God in a Darwinian age Michael Ruse
Part IV. Philosophical Prospects: 16. In Darwin's wake, where am I? Daniel C. Dennett
17. Ethical expressions: why moralists scowl, frown and smile Owen Flanagan
18. Is human nature natural? Simon Blackburn
19. Giving Darwin his due Philip Kitcher
Guide to further reading
List of references
Index.

Subject Areas: Evolution [PSAJ], History of science [PDX], Philosophy of science [PDA], History of Western philosophy [HPC], Philosophy [HP]