Philosophy after Darwin: Classic and Contemporary Readings

Book Details:

• Author: Michael Ruse

• Brand: Princeton University Press

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 592

• Release Date: 13-09-2009

• ISBN: 9780691135540

• Languages: English

About The Book:

"Philosophy after Darwin" is an anthology edited by Michael Ruse, exploring the significant philosophical implications of Darwinism from its origins to present-day debates. It includes key writings by influential thinkers that highlight the evolution of ideas regarding the relationship between Darwin’s theory of evolution and various areas of philosophy, such as epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of language.

Key Features:

• Evolutionary Philosophy in Context:
  Ruse presents essays by important historical and modern figures, including Darwin himself, Herbert Spencer, Friedrich Nietzsche, G. E. Moore, Thomas Henry Huxley, and more. The anthology traces how Darwin's ideas impacted philosophical thought, particularly in relation to human knowledge, ethics, and mind.

• Diverse Thinkers and Perspectives:
  The anthology features both supporters and critics of Darwinism, with contributions from thinkers like Karl Popper, Edward O. Wilson, and Peter Singer, as well as prominent critics such as Alvin Plantinga.

• Historical and Modern Impact:
  The book offers a comprehensive examination of how Darwin's ideas shaped philosophical debates from the 19th century to the present, challenging traditional concepts and fostering a naturalistic understanding of human existence.

• Engaging with Evolutionary Epistemology and Ethics:
  The collection delves into topics like the evolution of knowledge, the role of rationality, and the moral implications of evolutionary theory, with new insights and works that push these debates forward.

• The Secular Shift in Philosophy:
  One of the major themes of the book is how Darwin's theory contributes to the shift toward a secular, more naturalistic understanding of the human experience, challenging the religious and metaphysical approaches that dominated prior philosophical thought.

Who Should Read This Book:

• Philosophers and Students of Philosophy:
  Ideal for those exploring the intersection of evolutionary theory and philosophy, especially in fields like epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind.

• Researchers Interested in Darwinism:
  Those studying the philosophical impact of Darwin's work on various academic disciplines will find this anthology an invaluable resource.

• General Readers with Interest in Evolutionary Thinking:
  This book provides accessible essays for anyone interested in how Darwin's ideas have shaped contemporary debates on knowledge, ethics, and the nature of the mind.

"Philosophy after Darwin" is an essential anthology that not only traces the evolution of philosophical thought post-Darwin but also offers insights into how Darwin’s ideas continue to influence contemporary debates in philosophy and beyond.