
Thinking about Life
The history and philosophy of biology and other sciences
Springer (Publisher)
Published on 19. October 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
XIV, 267 pages
978-90-481-8010-3 (ISBN)
Description
Our previous book, About Life, concerned modern biology. We used our present-day understanding of cells to 'define' the living state, providing a basis for exploring several general-interest topics: the origin of life, extraterrestrial life, intelligence, and the possibility that humans are unique. The ideas we proposed in About Life were intended as starting-points for debate - we did not claim them as 'truth' - but the information on which they were based is currently accepted as 'scientific fact'. What does that mean? What is 'scientific fact' and why is it accepted? What is science - and is biology like other sciences such as physics (except in subject m- ter)? The book you are now reading investigates these questions - and some related ones. Like About Life, it may particularly interest a reader who wishes to change career to biology and its related subdisciplines. In line with a recommendation by the British Association for the Advancement of Science - that the public should be given fuller information about the nature of science - we present the concepts underpinning biology and a survey of its historical and philosophical basis.
More details
Edition
1st ed. Softcover of orig. ed. 2009
Language
English
Place of publication
Dordrecht
Netherlands
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Research
Illustrations
XIV, 267 p.
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
435 gr
ISBN-13
978-90-481-8010-3 (9789048180103)
DOI
10.1007/978-1-4020-8866-7
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Paul S. Agutter | Denys N. Wheatley
Thinking about Life
The history and philosophy of biology and other sciences
Book
11/2008
1st Edition
Springer
€53.49
Shipment within 15-20 days
Content
What is Science?.- Culture, Technology and Knowledge.- Classical Roots.- Mediaeval Views of the World.- The Scientific Revolution.- The 'Scientific Revolution' in Biology.- Aristotle's Biology.- How Different Are Organisms from Inanimate Objects?.- Cell Theory and Experimental Physiology: New Ideas in a Changing Society.- Embryos and Entelechy.- Spontaneous Generation.- The Evolution of Darwinism.- The Great Heredity Debate.- Evolutionary Theory Attains Maturity.- The Problem of Purpose.- The Scientific Status of Biology.