136-207 Philosophy of Biology

For science third year, see 136-307 Philosophy of Biology (Science 3)

Usually 75 points of first year study across any discipline area.

Evolutionary theory has changed our thinking about the world. This class examines philosophical issues raised by the core concepts of evolutionary theory, including such concepts as teleological explanation, fitness, function, natural selection, units of selection and species. Questions to be addressed include: What is fitness? Is survival of the fittest a tautology? What is the unit of selection: the gene? the organism? the group? The class also considers what contribution evolutionary theory makes to our understanding of human and animal minds, human behavior, and ethics. Topics to be addressed here include modularity and the mental, sociobiology, and the interconnections between fact and value. On completion of the subject students should have a sophisticated understanding of theoretical issues in evolutionary biology; develop skills in critical and theoretical thinking; and be able to assess claims about the social significance of contemporary research in the biological sciences.

• develop skills in constructing and assessing the strength of arguments, identifying theoretical assumptions, and assessing conflicting arguments;

• improve critical thinking and analysis skills.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising a 1500 word essay 30 (due mid-semester) and a 2500 word essay 70 (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

• K Sterelny & P Griffiths, Sex and Death. University of Chicago Press 1999.