The Cambridge Companion to Darwin

by Jonathan Hodge (Editor), Gregory Radick (Editor)

Overview

The naturalist and geologist Charles Darwin (1809–82) ranks as one of the most influential scientific thinkers of all time. In the nineteenth century his ideas about the history and diversity of life - including the evolutionary origin of humankind - contributed to major changes in the sciences, philosophy, social thought and religious belief. The Cambridge Companion to Darwin has established itself as an indispensable resource for anyone teaching or researching Darwin's theories and their historical and philosophical interpretations. Its distinguished team of contributors examines Darwin's main scientific ideas and their development; Darwin's science in the context of its times; the influence of Darwinian thought in recent philosophical, social and religious debate; and the importance of Darwinian thought for the future of naturalist philosophy. For this second edition, coverage has been expanded to include two new chapters: on Darwin, Hume and human nature, and on Darwin's theories in the intellectual long run, from the pre-Socratics to the present.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781139817745
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/05/2009
Series:	Cambridge Companions to Philosophy
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Jonathan Hodge is Senior Fellow in History and Philosophy of Science in the Department of Philosophy, University of Leeds.
Gregory Radick is Senior Lecturer in History and Philosophy of Science in the Department of Philosophy, University of Leeds.

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction Jonathan Hodge and Gregory Radick; Part I. Darwin's Theorising: 1. The making of a philosophical naturalist Phillip R. Sloan; 2. The notebook programmes and projects of Darwin's London years Jonathan Hodge; 3. Darwin on generation, pangenesis and sexual selection Jim Endersby; 4. Darwin on mind, morals and emotions Robert J. Richards; 5. The arguments in the Origin of Species C. Kenneth Waters; Part II. Historical Contexts: 6. Is the theory of natural selection independent of its history? Gregory Radick; 7. Darwin's science and Victorian philosophy of science David L. Hull; 8. Darwin and Victorian Christianity John Hedley Brooke; 9. Darwin, social Darwinism and eugenics Diane B. Paul; 10. The place of Darwin's theories in the intellectual long run Jonathan Hodge and Gregory Radick; Part III. Current Issues: 11. From Darwin to today in evolutionary biology Jean Gayon; 12. Metaphysical and epistemological issues in modern Darwinian theory Elliott Sober; 13. Darwinian concepts in the philosophy of mind Kim Sterelny; 14. Darwinism in moral philosophy and social theory Alex Rosenberg; 15. Belief in God in a Darwinian age Michael Ruse; Part IV. Philosophical Prospects: 16. In Darwin's wake, where am I? Daniel C. Dennett; 17. Ethical expressions: why moralists scowl, frown and smile Owen Flanagan; 18. Is human nature natural? Simon Blackburn; 19. Giving Darwin his due Philip Kitcher; Guide to further reading; List of references; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Unquestionably, the thoroughness of [The Cambridge Companion to Darwin, 2nd Edition and The Cambridge Companion to the 'Origin of Species'] will be caviar for professional scholars.  But they will also appeal to a wider readership for offering clear and up-to-date expositions of the historical developments and theoretical principles of Darwin’s evolutionary thinking. ... these volumes are undeniably a great introduction to Darwin, his ideas and his legacies. With the wealth of historical and philosophical analyses, and the great variety of contributions covering major problems within the field, they constitute an indispensable tool for any teacher or student of Darwin and Darwinism. The general public will find a complete presentation of Darwin’s thinking, while the scholarly can enjoy a number of revisionist claims sure to provoke responses, critical and otherwise." -
THIERRY HOQUET, British Journal of the History of Science


"....offers a carefully ecumenical primer to the scholarly approaches on display. The editors, Jonathan Hodge and Gregory Radick, have fittingly organized chapters along methodological lines, and the abruptness between sections is to some extent an artifact of decades of exciting and bewildering disputes over Darwin and Darwinism.... an ideal companion, ushering the reader into conversations already underway.... its aim is rather to shepherd the reader in search of deeper and more expansive understanding....The revisions to Hodge and Radick’s excellent introduction emphasize their aim of extracting philosophical themes from Darwin’s own projects as well as from his legacy.... the Companion’s riches should make it of interest not only to toilers in the Darwin Industry, who may choose to expand their libraries with the second edition, but also to a wider audience. Historians of the philosophy of science in particular may endorse the closing line of the volume...." -
Kathryn Tabb, University of Pittsburgh, HOPOS: The Journal of the International Society for the History of Philosophy of Science


"...there is an enormous amount of material one might have to become familiar with if one wants to have an informed view of Darwin, and so a standard reference book is required. This is that book - the second edition of the volume, updated somewhat and with new essays. In conjunction with another volume on the Origin itself, most students of Darwin would have little need for any other introductions to the historical context and development of he theory of evolution.... it is the best entry point into many debates and issues of the so-called "Darwin industry" that was set in motion 50 years earlier at the centenary of the Origin, and which continues unabated today. It should be in every interested person's personal library."
—John S Wilkins, University of Sydney, Reports of the National Center for Science Education

From the Publisher