This author delves into profound philosophical questions and intricate human relationships through a distinctive literary style. Their work is characterized by sharp insights into the nature of existence and the subtle psychological depths of characters. Readers encounter explorations of freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in an often ambiguous world. The author's approach is both analytical and poetic, leaving a lasting impression.
The book explores the pivotal question of whether natural selection operates mainly on individuals, groups, genes, or entire species, delving into the implications for evolutionary theory and philosophy of biology. Samir Okasha provides a thorough examination of the philosophical challenges and debates surrounding the levels of selection, offering clarity on the complexities involved in understanding evolutionary processes.
Samir Okasha offers a critical study of agential thinking in biology, where evolved organisms are seen as agents pursuing a goal. He examines the justification for transposing concepts from rational humans to the biological world, and considers whether agential thinking is mere anthropomorphism or plays a more intellectual role in the science.
Covering some of science's most divisive topics, such as philosophical issues in genetics and evolution, the philosophy of biology also encompasses more traditional philosophical questions, such as free will, essentialism, and nature vs nurture. Here, Samir Okasha outlines the core issues with which contemporary philosophy of biology is engaged.
What is science? Is there a real difference between science and myth? Is science objective? Can science explain everything? This Very Short Introduction provides a concise overview of the main themes of contemporary philosophy of science.Beginning with a short history of science to set the scene, Samir Okasha goes on to investigate the nature of scientific reasoning, scientific explanation, revolutions in science, and theories such as realism and anti-realism. He also looks at philosophical issues in particular sciences, including the problem of classification in biology, and the nature of space and time in physics. The final chapter touches on the conflicts between science and religion, and explores whether science is ultimately a good thing.About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.