What Makes Biology Unique?: Considerations on the Autonomy of a Scientific Discipline

ISBN-13: 9780521841146 / Angielski / Twarda / 2004 / 232 str.

Ernst Mayr

Opis

This collection of revised and new essays argues that biology is an autonomous science rather than a branch of the physical sciences. Ernst Mayr, widely considered the most eminent evolutionary biologist of the 20th century, offers insights on the history of evolutionary thought, critiques the conditions of philosophy to the science of biology, and comments on several of the major developments in evolutionary theory. Notably, Mayr explains that Darwin's theory of evolution is actually five separate theories, each with its own history, trajectory and impact. Ernst Mayr, commonly referred to as the "Darwin of the 20th century" and listed as one of the top 100 scientists of all-time, is Professor Emeritus at Harvard University. What Makes Biology Unique is the 25th book he has written during his long and prolific career. His recent books include This is Biology: The Science of the Living World (Belknap Press, 1997) and What Evolution Is (Basic Books, 2002).

Recenzje

'… a valuable summary of the thoughts of one of the best known evolutionary biologists.' Ibis

Spis treści

Introduction; 1. Science and sciences; 2. The autonomy of biology; 3. Teleology; 4. Analysis or reductionism; 5. Darwin's influence on modern thought; 6. Darwin's five theories of evolution; 7. Maturation of Darwinism; 8. Selection; 9. Do Thomas Kuhn's scientific revolutions take place?; 10. Another look at the species problem; 11. The origin of human; 12. Are we alone in this vast universe?