PHIL 235 - Philosophy of Biology

Institution:

SUNY College at Geneseo

Subject:

Description:

This course will examine philosophical problems raised by evolutionary theory, genetics and taxonomy. Questions to be addressed include: (a) Is biological theory reducible to chemistry and physics? (b) What is a species? Is there a single, correct way to classify organisms? (c) At what level does selection operate: individual organisms, groups, or "selfish genes"? (d) Does altruism exist innature? (e) Can the evolutionary model usefully be applied outside of biology? In particular, is sociobiology a promising field of research, or merely an excuse for injustice? (f) Can there be such a thing as "scientific creationism"? Prerequisites: One course in biology or in philosophy, or permission of the instructor. Credits: 3(3-0) Offered every other spring

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.geneseo.edu/

Phone Number:

(585) 245-5211

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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