PHI 402 - Philosophy of Biology

Institution:

University of New England

Subject:

Philosophy

Description:

The science of biology is especially rich in philosophical problems and considerations, and this course will explore some of the most significant of them. Although we will spend some time discussing Aristotle's seminal work on biological function, the focus will be on recent developments in the field. Among the topics that we will be examining are the problems of units of selection, the adaptationism debate, developmental systems theory, the concept of function, biological taxonomy and the question of whether there are biological laws. We may also discuss the work of philosophers who have applied biological thinking to problems in the philosophy of language and mind (Ruth Millikan) and ethical theory (Simon Blackburn). Although there are no prerequisites, it will be helpful for students to have had some previous exposure to analytical philosophy and theoretical biology (especially evolutionary theory).

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.une.edu/

Phone Number:

(207) 283-0171

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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