Description
Over time the complex idea of "species" has evolved, yet its meaning is far from resolved. This comprehensive work is a fresh look at an idea central to the field of biology by tracing its history from antiquity to today. Species is a benchmark exploration and clarification of a concept fundamental to the past, present, and future of the natural sciences. In this edition, a section is added on the debate over species since the time of the New Synthesis, and brings the book up to date. A section on recent philosophical debates over species has also been added. This edition is better suited non-specialists in philosophy, so that it will be of greater use for scientists wishing to understand how the notion came to be that living organisms form species.
Key Selling Features:
- Covers the philosophical and historical development of the concept of "species"
- Documents that variation was recognized by pre-Darwinian scholars
- Includes a section on the debates since the time of the New Synthesis
- Better suited to non-philosophers
Table of Contents
Prologue: The Received View. The failure of the Received View. The historical development of “species.” The classical era: Science by division. The medieval bridge. Species and the birth of modern science. The Noah’s Ark part is new, based on my later research. The nineteenth century, a period of change. Darwin and the Darwinians. Non-Darwinian ideas after Darwin. The Synthesis and species. Modern debates. Philosophical treatments.
