Beyond Mechanism: Putting Life Back Into Biology

It has been said that new discoveries and developments in the human, social, and natural sciences hang “in the air” (Bowler, 1983; 2008) prior to their consummation. While neo-Darwinist biology has been powerfully served by its mechanistic metaphysic and a reductionist methodology in which living organisms are considered machines, many of the chapters in this volume place this paradigm into question. Pairing scientists and philosophers together, this volume explores what might be termed “the New Frontiers” of biology, namely contemporary areas of research that appear to call an updating, a supplementation, or a relaxation of some of the main tenets of the Modern Synthesis. Such areas of investigation include: Emergence Theory, Systems Biology, Biosemiotics, Homeostasis, Symbiogenesis, Niche Construction, the Theory of Organic Selection (also known as “the Baldwin Effect”), Self-Organization and Teleodynamics, as well as Epigenetics. Most of the chapters in this book offer critical reflections on the neo-Darwinist outlook and work to promote a novel synthesis that is open to a greater degree of inclusivity as well as to a more holistic orientation in the biological sciences.

Politics & Social Sciences

SAGAN, DORION

Henning, Brian G.

Scarfe, Adam

Philosophy

Lexington Books

Collaborators Mary Katherine Birge, Rodica Stoicoiu, Ryan Taylor, and Brian Henning explore in four illuminating chapters the rich and complex history of the biblical creation accounts, the nature of science investigation, the ethical and philosophical significance of the theory of evolution, and the all-enveloping role of evolutionary theory in the deepening and broadening of faith. In the process, the authors expand readers' understanding of the compatibility between religion and science. Readers will learn that they need not choose religion over science or faith over reason, and that evolution does not threaten but rather enrichs faith. The authors make it clear to readers that regardless of what religious or non-religious background they come from--regardless of their religious knowledge and experiences--they can discover that science and religion are not enemies, but are companions in the search for truth. The fresh and fascinating Genesis, Evolution and the Search for a Reasoned Faith explores both the nature of science and religion and the intelligent and intimate conversation that is necessary in the search for truth.

Genesis, Evolution, and the Search for a Reasoned Faith

Taylor, Ryan

Birge SSJ, Mary Katherine

Stoicoiu, Rodica

Anselm Academic

Value, Beauty and Nature: The Philosophy of Organism and the Metaphysical Foundations of Environmental Ethics (Suny Series in Environmental Philosophy and Ethics)

State Univ of New York Pr

Value, Beauty, and Nature: The Philosophy of Organism and the Metaphysical Foundations of Environmental Ethics (SUNY in Environmental Philosophy and Ethics)

With the increase of natural disasters, droughts, and superstorms, it's clear that climate change isn't coming--it's here. The ecological crisis of climate change--and how we handle it--is the challenge of this century. Though policy changes or technological advances may help, they're not enough. We are in need of new ways of thinking and acting; new ways of understanding our relationship to the world. Riders in the Storm assesses the challenges of climate change through an interdisciplinary study, examining the basic scientific, political, economic, and moral dimensions through a framework of philosophical ethics. Equipped with colorful graphics and images, suggestions for further research and reading, and dialogue prompts, this text is a straightforward and engaging introduction to climate change.

Riders in the Storm: Ethics in an Age of Climate Change

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Books by Henning, Brian G.