The Philosophy of Human Evolution

Provides a unique discussion of human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint, covering such issues as religion, race and gender.

Michael Ruse (Author)

9780521117937, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 January 2012

282 pages, 20 b/w illus.
25.3 x 18 x 1.7 cm, 0.72 kg

'Ruse brings to the fore a diversity of important questions regarding human evolution … written in a direct, effective style, with a promising chapter architecture … a welcome supplement to recent books on human evolution.' Rasmus Grønfeldt Winther, Evolution

This book provides a unique discussion of human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint, looking at the facts and interpretations since Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man. Michael Ruse explores such topics as the nature of scientific theories, the relationships between culture and biology, the problem of progress and the extent to which evolutionary issues pose problems for religious beliefs. He identifies these issues, highlighting the problems for morality in a world governed by natural selection. By taking a philosophical viewpoint, the full ethical and moral dimensions of human evolution are examined. This book engages the reader in a thorough discussion of the issues, appealing to students in philosophy, biology and anthropology.

Acknowledgements
1. Evolutionary biology
2. Human evolution
3. Real science, good science?
4. Progress
5. Knowledge
6. Morality
7. Sex, orientation, and race
8. From eugenics to medicine
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Evolution [PSAJ], Philosophy of science [PDA]