Overview

This is an incisive collection of essays exploring one of the most influential scientific theories of all time. Did Charles Darwin reject the idea that group selection causes characteristics to evolve that are good for the group but bad for the individual? How does Darwin's discussion of God square with the common view of him as the champion of methodological naturalism? These are just some of the intriguing questions raised by distinguished philosopher Elliott Sober in this fine collection of philosophical essays on Darwin. Sober's approach is informed by modern issues in evolutionary biology, but is sensitive to the ways in which Darwin's outlook differed from that of biologists today. Many of the topics covered in this volume - including common ancestry, group selection, sex ratio and naturalism - have rarely been discussed in their connection with Darwin in such detail.

Full Product Details

9781616142308

Table of Contents

Reviews

Few philosophers of science command the respect that Elliott Sober enjoys for the rigor of his investigations into the logic of evolutionary biology. In his latest, enthralling book he argues that Darwin's theory is best described not as evolution by natural selection but as common ancestry plus natural selection. . . . Accessible, lively, controversial, this is a book full of good things, including a fresh look at Darwin's position on group selection. <br>John Hedley Brooke, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion and director of the Ian Ramsey Centre, University of Oxford <br><br> Philosophical essays are frequently enlightening but rarely entertaining. Elliott Sober's Did Darwin Write the Origin Backwards? succeeds at being philosophically sophisticated, historically informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Even readers who think they know their Darwin will learn much from this book. <br>Ronald L. Numbers, Hilldale Professor of the History of Science and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison

"""""Few philosophers of science command the respect that Elliott Sober enjoys for the rigor of his investigations into the logic of evolutionary biology. In his latest, enthralling book he argues that Darwin's theory is best described not as evolution by natural selection but as common ancestry plus natural selection. . . . Accessible, lively, controversial, this is a book full of good things, including a fresh look at Darwin's position on group selection.""John Hedley Brooke, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion and director of the Ian Ramsey Centre, University of Oxford ""Philosophical essays are frequently enlightening but rarely entertaining. Elliott Sober's Did Darwin Write the ""Origin"" Backwards? succeeds at being philosophically sophisticated, historically informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Even readers who think they know their Darwin will learn much from this book.""Ronald L. Numbers, Hilldale Professor of the History of Science and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison"

Few philosophers of science command the respect that Elliott Sober enjoys for the rigor of his investigations into the logic of evolutionary biology. In his latest, enthralling book he argues that Darwin's theory is best described not as evolution by natural selection but as common ancestry plus natural selection. . . . Accessible, lively, controversial, this is a book full of good things, including a fresh look at Darwin's position on group selection. John Hedley Brooke, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion and director of the Ian Ramsey Centre, University of Oxford Philosophical essays are frequently enlightening but rarely entertaining. Elliott Sober's Did Darwin Write the Origin Backwards? succeeds at being philosophically sophisticated, historically informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Even readers who think they know their Darwin will learn much from this book. Ronald L. Numbers, Hilldale Professor of the History of Science and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Few philosophers of science command the respect that Elliott Sober enjoys for the rigor of his investigations into the logic of evolutionary biology. In his latest, enthralling book he argues that Darwin's theory is best described not as evolution by natural selection but as common ancestry plus natural selection. . . . Accessible, lively, controversial, this is a book full of good things, including a fresh look at Darwin's position on group selection. John Hedley Brooke, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion and director of the Ian Ramsey Centre, University of Oxford Philosophical essays are frequently enlightening but rarely entertaining. Elliott Sober's Did Darwin Write the Origin Backwards? succeeds at being philosophically sophisticated, historically informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Even readers who think they know their Darwin will learn much from this book. Ronald L. Numbers, Hilldale Professor of the History of Science and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Author Information

Elliott Sober is a professor in the Philosophy Department at the University of Wisconsin, and an award-winning author.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available