Genes, Genesis, and God: Values and their Origins in Natural and Human History

ISBN-13: 9780521641081 / Angielski / Twarda / 1999 / 418 str.

III (Colorado State University) Holmes Rolston

Opis

Can the phenomena of religion and ethics be reduced to the phenomena of biology? Holmes Rolston says no, and in this sweeping account of the subject, written with considerable verve and clarity, he challenges the sociobiological orthodoxy that would naturalize science, ethics, and religion. The book is thoroughly up to date on current biological thought and is written by one of the most well-respected figures in the philosophy of biology and religion. It is likely to provoke considerable controversy among a wide range of readers in such fields as philosophy, religious studies, and biology, as well as being suitable for courses on science and religion.

Recenzje

'This book … is a full and fair natural theological attempt to understand modern biology and its relevance for social, ethical and religious thought.' The Philosophical Quarterly

Spis treści

Preface; Part I. Genetic Values: Diversity and Complexity in Natural History: 1. Natural history: diversity and complexity; 2. Contingent natural history?; 3. Searching genes; 4. Smart genes; 5. Genetic algorithms; 6. Intrinsic and inclusive genetic values; 7. Distributed and shared genetic values; 8. Storied natural history; Part II. Genetic Identity: Conserved and Integrated Values: 9. Genetic identity; 10. Genes in organisms; 11. Organisms in communities; 12. Sexuality, selfishness, and community; 13. Interspecifically and intraspecifically shared genes; Part III. Culture: Genes and the Genesis of Human Culture; 14. Nature and culture; 15. Gene-mind co-evolution; 16. Genetic determinants in culture; 17. The evolution of ideas; 18. The human genius; 19. Historical versus universal explanations in nature and culture; Part IV. Science: Naturalized, Socialized, Evaluated: 20. Science: generating and selecting theories; 21. Science naturalized?; 22. Science socialized; 23. The selective advantage of science; 24. Progress in scientific and in natural history; 25. Transcendent science; 26. An unfolding story; Part V. Ethics: Naturalized, Socialized, Evaluated; 27. Moral value: love, justice, and respect; 28. Naturalized ethics? Emergent, socialized morality; 29. Naturalized ethics? Illusory, Darwinized morality; 30. Evaluating ethics: values defended and shared; Part VI. Religion: Naturalized, Socialized, Evaluated: 31. The divine epic of life; 32. Religion and fertility; 33. Religion and altruism; 34. Functional and true religion; 35. Genesis and God; References; Index.