Philosophy of Science and Race

First published in 2003. In this concisely argued short new book well-known philosopher Naomi Zack explores the scientific and philosophical problems in applying a biological conception of race to human beings. Through the systematic analysis of up-to-date data and conclusions in population genetics transmission genetics and biological anthropology Zack provides a comprehensive conceptual account of how race in the ordinary sense has no basis in science. Her book combats our everyday understanding of race as a scientifically supported taxonomy of human beings and in conclusion challenges us to be clear about what we mean by race and what it would require to remedy racism.