Thinking Beyond Darwin

Thinking Beyond Darwin PDF Author: Ernst Michael Kranich
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 9780940262935
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 196

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Book Description
Through the work of Charles Darwin, a great task was set before science--to progress from opinions about evolution to a science of evolution, and reveal the inner laws and driving forces at work in the development of the organic world. In Thinking beyond Darwin, Ernst-Michael Kranich focuses on a central problem of evolutionary science. He shows us a way, based on Goethe's botanical and zoological investigations, of seeing the coherence and inner dynamics of organisms. Using Goethe's concept of type as a key to vertebrate evolution, Kranich methodically lays the foundation for a science of evolution. He focuses on the central problem of evolutionary science: are there underlying principles that connect the many disparate facts? By applying Goethe's method consistently to evolutionary thinking, Kranich shows that the laws and driving forces of evolution are encompassed by the inner lawfulness of living organisms and that we must participate through formative thinking in the evolutionary processes. Thinking beyond Darwin, makes an important contribution to the development of more adequate concepts of evolution and arrives at clear insights about earlier animal forms and evolutionary laws that could have immense consequences for future evolutionary thinking.

Thinking Beyond Darwin

Thinking Beyond Darwin PDF Author: Ernst Michael Kranich
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 9780940262935
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 196

Get Book Here

Book Description
Through the work of Charles Darwin, a great task was set before science--to progress from opinions about evolution to a science of evolution, and reveal the inner laws and driving forces at work in the development of the organic world. In Thinking beyond Darwin, Ernst-Michael Kranich focuses on a central problem of evolutionary science. He shows us a way, based on Goethe's botanical and zoological investigations, of seeing the coherence and inner dynamics of organisms. Using Goethe's concept of type as a key to vertebrate evolution, Kranich methodically lays the foundation for a science of evolution. He focuses on the central problem of evolutionary science: are there underlying principles that connect the many disparate facts? By applying Goethe's method consistently to evolutionary thinking, Kranich shows that the laws and driving forces of evolution are encompassed by the inner lawfulness of living organisms and that we must participate through formative thinking in the evolutionary processes. Thinking beyond Darwin, makes an important contribution to the development of more adequate concepts of evolution and arrives at clear insights about earlier animal forms and evolutionary laws that could have immense consequences for future evolutionary thinking.

Thinking Beyond Darwin

Thinking Beyond Darwin PDF Author: Matthew Fedden
Publisher: SteinerBooks
ISBN: 1584205288
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 196

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Book Description
Through the work of Charles Darwin, a great task was set before science--to progress from opinions about evolution to a science of evolution, and reveal the inner laws and driving forces at work in the development of the organic world. In Thinking beyond Darwin, Ernst-Michael Kranich focuses on a central problem of evolutionary science. He shows us a way, based on Goethe's botanical and zoological investigations, of seeing the coherence and inner dynamics of organisms. Using Goethe's concept of type as a key to vertebrate evolution, Kranich methodically lays the foundation for a science of evolution. He focuses on the central problem of evolutionary science: are there underlying principles that connect the many disparate facts? By applying Goethe's method consistently to evolutionary thinking, Kranich shows that the laws and driving forces of evolution are encompassed by the inner lawfulness of living organisms and that we must participate through formative thinking in the evolutionary processes. Thinking beyond Darwin, makes an important contribution to the development of more adequate concepts of evolution and arrives at clear insights about earlier animal forms and evolutionary laws that could have immense consequences for future evolutionary thinking.

Handbook of Evolutionary Thinking in the Sciences

Handbook of Evolutionary Thinking in the Sciences PDF Author: Thomas Heams
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9401790140
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 898

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Book Description
The Darwinian theory of evolution is itself evolving and this book presents the details of the core of modern Darwinism and its latest developmental directions. The authors present current scientific work addressing theoretical problems and challenges in four sections, beginning with the concepts of evolution theory, its processes of variation, heredity, selection, adaptation and function, and its patterns of character, species, descent and life. The second part of this book scrutinizes Darwinism in the philosophy of science and its usefulness in understanding ecosystems, whilst the third section deals with its application in disciplines beyond the biological sciences, including evolutionary psychology and evolutionary economics, Darwinian morality and phylolinguistics. The final section addresses anti-Darwinism, the creationist view and issues around teaching evolution in secondary schools. The reader learns how current experimental biology is opening important perspectives on the sources of variation, and thus of the very power of natural selection. This work examines numerous examples of the extension of the principle of natural selection and provides the opportunity to critically reflect on a rich theory, on the methodological rigour that presides in its extensions and exportations, and on the necessity to measure its advantages and also its limits. Scholars interested in modern Darwinism and scientific research, its concepts, research programs and controversies will find this book an excellent read, and those considering how Darwinism might evolve, how it can apply to the human sciences and other disciplines beyond its origins will find it particularly valuable. Originally produced in French (Les Mondes Darwiniens), the scope and usefulness of the book have led to the production of this English text, to reach a wider audience. This book is a milestone in the impressive penetration by Francophone scholars into the world of Darwinian science, its historiography and philosophy over the last two decades. Alex Rosenberg, R. Taylor Cole Professor of Philosophy, Duke University Until now this useful and comprehensive handbook has only been available to francophones. Thanks to this invaluable new translation, this collection of insightful and original essays can reach the global audience it deserves. Tim Lewens, University of Cambridge

Evolution for Everyone

Evolution for Everyone PDF Author: David Sloan Wilson
Publisher: Delacorte Press
ISBN: 0440336805
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 402

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Book Description
With stories that entertain as much as they inform, renowned evolutionist David Sloan Wilson outlines the basic principles of evolution and shows how, when properly understood, they can illuminate the length and breadth of creation, from the origin of life to the nature of religion. What is the biological reason for gossip? For laughter? For the creation of art? Why do dogs have curly tails? What can microbes tell us about morality? These and many other questions are tackled by Wilson in this witty and groundbreaking new book. Now everyone can move beyond the sterile debates about creationism and intelligent design to share Darwin’s panoramic view of animal and human life, seamlessly connected to each other. Evolution, as Wilson explains, is not just about dinosaurs and human origins, but about why all species behave as they do—from beetles that devour their own young, to bees that function as a collective brain, to dogs that are smarter in some respects than our closest ape relatives. And basic evolutionary principles are also the foundation for humanity’s capacity for symbolic thought, culture, and morality. In example after example, Wilson sheds new light on Darwin’ s grand theory and how it can be applied to daily life. By turns thoughtful, provocative, and daringly funny, Evolution for Everyone addresses some of the deepest philosophical and social issues of this or any age. In helping us come to a deeper understanding of human beings and our place in the world, it might also help us to improve that world.

Experience and Beyond

Experience and Beyond PDF Author: Jan Faye
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319310771
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 360

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Book Description
This book presents a persuasive argument in favour of evolutionary naturalism and outlines what such a stance means for our capacity of observation and understanding reality. The author discusses how our capacity of knowledge is adapted to handle sensory information about the environment in the light of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The implication of this is that much of our thinking in science and philosophy that goes beyond our immediate experience rests on abstractions and hypostatization. This book rejects the possibility of having any knowledge of reality as it is in itself, while not denying that our capacity of conceptual abstractions is of great benefit for our survival.

Darwin's Dangerous Idea

Darwin's Dangerous Idea PDF Author: Daniel C. Dennett
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1439126291
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 596

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Book Description
In a book that is both groundbreaking and accessible, Daniel C. Dennett, whom Chet Raymo of The Boston Globe calls "one of the most provocative thinkers on the planet," focuses his unerringly logical mind on the theory of natural selection, showing how Darwin's great idea transforms and illuminates our traditional view of humanity's place in the universe. Dennett vividly describes the theory itself and then extends Darwin's vision with impeccable arguments to their often surprising conclusions, challenging the views of some of the most famous scientists of our day.

Piaget's Conception of Evolution

Piaget's Conception of Evolution PDF Author: John Gerard Messerly
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 9780847682430
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 202

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Book Description
The first full-length study of Jean Piaget as a philosopher and evolutionist. Messerly traces Piaget's earliest conjectures about knowledge through its further developments to its mature formulation as 'genetic epistemology.' Messerly analyzes Piaget's constructivist theory of the evolution of human knowledge as continuous with, yet partially transcending, the biological process of adaptation to the environment. Messerly's study serves as an invitation to further explorations with Paiget's theory and will interest philosophers, biologists, and psychologists.

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin PDF Author: A.N. Wilson
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0062433512
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 282

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Book Description
A radical reappraisal of Charles Darwin from the bestselling author of Victoria: A Life. With the publication of On the Origin of Species, Charles Darwin—hailed as the man who "discovered evolution"—was propelled into the pantheon of great scientific thinkers, alongside Galileo, Copernicus, and Newton. Eminent writer A. N. Wilson challenges this long-held assumption. Contextualizing Darwin and his ideas, he offers a groundbreaking critical look at this revered figure in modern science. In this beautifully written, deeply erudite portrait, Wilson argues that Darwin was not an original scientific thinker, but a ruthless and determined self-promoter who did not credit the many great sages whose ideas he advanced in his book. Furthermore, Wilson contends that religion and Darwinism have much more in common than it would seem, for the acceptance of Darwin's theory involves a pretty significant leap of faith. Armed with an extraordinary breadth of knowledge, Wilson explores how Darwin and his theory were very much a product of their place and time. The "Survival of the Fittest" was really the Survival of Middle Class families like the Darwins—members of a relatively new economic strata who benefited from the rising Industrial Revolution at the expense of the working classes. Following Darwin’s theory, the wretched state of the poor was an outcome of nature, not the greed and neglect of the moneyed classes. In a paradigm-shifting conclusion, Wilson suggests that it remains to be seen, as this class dies out, whether the Darwinian idea will survive, or whether it, like other Victorian fads, will become a footnote in our intellectual history. Brilliant, daring, and ambitious, Charles Darwin explores this legendary man as never before, and challenges us to reconsider our understanding of both Darwin and modern science itself.

What Darwin Got Wrong

What Darwin Got Wrong PDF Author: Jerry Fodor
Publisher: Profile Books
ISBN: 1847651909
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 114

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Book Description
Jerry Fodor and Massimo Piatelli-Palmarini, a distinguished philosopher and scientist working in tandem, reveal major flaws at the heart of Darwinian evolutionary theory. They do not deny Darwin's status as an outstanding scientist but question the inferences he drew from his observations. Combining the results of cutting-edge work in experimental biology with crystal-clear philosophical argument they mount a devastating critique of the central tenets of Darwin's account of the origin of species. The logic underlying natural selection is the survival of the fittest under changing environmental pressure. This logic, they argue, is mistaken. They back up the claim with evidence of what actually happens in nature. This is a rare achievement - the short book that is likely to make a great deal of difference to a very large subject. What Darwin Got Wrong will be controversial. The authors' arguments will reverberate through the scientific world. At the very least they will transform the debate about evolution.

Darwin's First Theory

Darwin's First Theory PDF Author: Rob Wesson
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1681773775
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 419

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Book Description
Everybody knows—or thinks they know—Charles Darwin, the father of evolution and the man who altered the way we view our place in the world. But what most people do not know is that Darwin was on board the HMS Beagle as a geologist—on a mission to examine the land, not flora and fauna.Tracing Darwin’s footsteps in South America and beyond, geologist Rob Wesson sets out on a trek across the Andes, repeating the nautical surveys made by the Beagle’s crew, hunting for fossils in Uruguay and Argentina, and explores traces of long vanished glaciers in Scotland and Wales. By following Darwin’s path literally and intellectually, Rob experiences the landscape that absorbed Darwin, followed his reasoning about what he saw, and immerses himself in the same questions about the earth. Upon Darwin’s return from the five-year journey, he conceived his theory of tectonics—his first theory. These concepts and attitudes—the vastness of time; the enormous cumulative impact of almost imperceptibly slow change; change as a constant feature of the environment—underlie his subsequent discoveries in evolution. And this peculiar way of thinking remains vitally important today as we enter the Anthropocene.