The Philosophy of Human Evolution [Paperback]

Provides a unique discussion of human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint, covering such issues as religion, race and gender.Michael Ruse provides a unique discussion of human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint, exploring 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.Michael Ruse provides a unique discussion of human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint, exploring 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.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. & well-written & The book is also a clear demonstration that the field of philosophy itself has undergone evolutionary changes & The Philosophy of Human Evolution explores a range of topics that help to illuminate how we might integrate advances in evolutionary biology into our view of the world &