Science and Selection: Essays on Biological Evolution and the Philosophy of Science

by David L. Hull

Overview

One way to understand science is as a selection process. David Hull, one of the dominant figures in contemporary philosophy of science, sets out in this volume a general analysis of this selection process that applies equally to biological evolution, the reaction of the immune system to antigens, operant learning, and social and conceptual change in science. Science and Selection brings together many of Hull's most important essays on selection (some never before published) in one accessible volume.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521643399
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/13/2000
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Biology
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.22(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.75(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. Selection in Biological Evolution: 1. Interactors versus vehicles; 2. Taking vehicles seriously; 3. A general analysis of selection, with Rod Langman and Sigrid Glenn; Part II. Selection in the Evolution of Science: 4. A mechanism and its metaphysics; 5. Why scientists behave scientifically; 6. What's wrong with invisible-hand explanations?; Part III. Testing our Views about Science: 7. A function for actual examples in philosophy of science; 8. The evolution of conceptual systems in science; 9. Testing philosophical claims about science; 10. That just don't sound right: a plea for real examples in philosophy of science; 11. Studying the study of science scientifically.

Editorial Reviews

"Most of these essays have been previously published but are so widely scattered in the literature that it is worthwhile to have them in a single volume. Highly recommended." Choice

"...a series of provocative writings on biological and conceptual evolution and the philosophy of science...Science and Selection discharges its duty well, collecting Hull's mature thoughts on a variety of important topics...in an affordable and accessible package." Journal of the History of Biology

From the Publisher