Genetics and Philosophy An Introduction [Paperback]

This book integrates the work of philosophers of science seeking to make sense of genetics with an accessible introduction to the science.This volume documents how the molecular biosciences have outgrown the nature/nurture distinction, and situates genetics in the context of the developmental biology of whole organisms. For those studying the philosophy of biology, genetics, and other life sciences.This volume documents how the molecular biosciences have outgrown the nature/nurture distinction, and situates genetics in the context of the developmental biology of whole organisms. For those studying the philosophy of biology, genetics, and other life sciences.In the past century, nearly all of the biological sciences have been directly affected by discoveries and developments in genetics, a fast-evolving subject with important theoretical dimensions. In this rich and accessible book, Paul Griffiths and Karola Stotz show how the concept of the gene has evolved and diversified across the many fields that make up modern biology. By examining the molecular biology of the 'environment', they situate genetics in the developmental biology of whole organisms, and reveal how the molecular biosciences have undermined the nature/nurture distinction. Their discussion gives full weight to the revolutionary impacts of molecular biology, while rejecting 'genocentrism' and 'reductionism', and brings the topic right up to date with the philosophical implications of the most recent developments in genetics. Their book will be invaluable for those studying the philosophy of biology, genetics and other life sciences.1. Mendel's gene; 2. The physical gene; 3. The behavioural gene; 4. The reactive genome; 5. Outside the gene; 6. The informational gene; 7. The evolving gene. A valuable resource for students and other readers interested in science and philosophy and the history of these fields, along with modern applications of genetic information, including the bioethics of genomic analysisls*