The Epistemology of Development, Evolution, and Genetics

These essays examine the developments in three fundamental biological disciplines - embryology, evolutionary biology, and genetics.

Richard Burian (Author)

9780521545280, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 15 November 2004

290 pages, 16 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.43 kg

"for those willing to invest some time, the rewards of this volume are considerable: Burian presents a nuanced account of a number of important developments in 20th century biology." - Todd Grantham, College of Charleston

Collected for the first time in a single volume are essays which examine the developments in three fundamental biological disciplines - embryology, evolutionary biology, and genetics. These disciplines were in conflict for much of the twentieth century and the essays in this collection examine key methodological problems within these disciplines and the difficulties faced in overcoming the conflicts between them. Burian skilfully weaves together historical appreciation of the settings within which scientists work, substantial knowledge of the biological problems at stake and the methodological and philosophical issues faced in integrating biological knowledge drawn from disparate sources. The final chapter describes what recent findings in development biology and genetics can tell us about the history and development of animals. Written in a clear, accessible style this collection should appeal to students and professionals in philosophy of science, and the philosophy and history of biology.

1. General introduction
Part I. Methodological Issues: 2. How the choice of experimental organism matters
3. Unification and coherence as methodological objectives in the biological sciences
Part II. Evolution: 4. 'Adaptation'
5. The influence of the evolutionary paradigm
6. 'Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution' (Theodosius Dobzhansky)
Part III. Genetics and Molecular Biology: 7. On conceptual change in biology
8. Technique, task definition, and the transition from genetics to molecular genetics
9. Too many kinds of genes
Part IV. Development: 10. Lillie's paradox - or, some hazards of cellular geography
11. On conflicts between genetic and developmental viewpoints
12. Reconceiving animals and their evolution.

Subject Areas: Developmental biology [PSC], Philosophy of science [PDA], Medical genetics [MFN], Embryology [MFKC3], Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge [HPK]