Philosophy of Biology

<p><b>An essential introduction to the philosophy of biology</b> <p/>This is a concise comprehensive and accessible introduction to the philosophy of biology written by a leading authority on the subject. Geared to philosophers biologists and students of both the book provides sophisticated and innovative coverage of the central topics and many of the latest developments in the field. Emphasizing connections between biological theories and other areas of philosophy and carefully explaining both philosophical and biological terms Peter Godfrey-Smith discusses the relation between philosophy and science; examines the role of laws mechanistic explanation and idealized models in biological theories; describes evolution by natural selection; and assesses attempts to extend Darwin's mechanism to explain changes in ideas culture and other phenomena. Further topics include functions and teleology individuality and organisms species the tree of life and human nature. The book closes with detailed cutting-edge treatments of the evolution of cooperation of information in biology and of the role of communication in living systems at all scales. <p/>Authoritative and up-to-date this is an essential guide for anyone interested in the important philosophical issues raised by the biological sciences.</p>