Darwin [Paperback]

In this invaluable book, Tim Lewens shows in a clear and accessible manner how important Darwin is for philosophy and how his work has shaped and challenged the very nature of the subject.

Beginning with an overview of Darwins life and work, the subsequent chapters discuss the full range of fundamental philosophical topics from a Darwinian perspective. These include natural selection; the origin and nature of species; the role of evidence in scientific enquiry; the theory of Intelligent Design; evolutionary approaches to the human mind; the implications of Darwins work for ethics and epistemology; and the question of how social and political thought needs to be updated in the light of a Darwinian understanding of human nature. A concluding chapter assesses the philosophical legacy of Darwins thought.

Darwinis essential reading for anyone in the humanities, social sciences and sciences seeking a philosophical introduction to Darwin, or anyone simply seeking a philosophical companion to Darwins own writings.

Introduction: A Philosophical Naturalist  1. Life   2. Selection   3. Species  4. Evidence  5. Mind  6. Ethics  7. Knowledge  8. Politics  9. Philosophy.  Glossary.  References

'...succeeds admirably in presenting Darwin and his ideas to its intended audience. 'Michael T. Ghiselin, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

'...a judiciously balanced book that offers a fine introduction to Darwin and contemporary philosophy of biology.'The Philosophers' Magazine

'a clear, well-written, fair, broad-ranging and student-friendly introduction to Darwinian thinking' - Kim Sterelny, Victoria UnivelÓ4