Species
A History of the Idea
Format:Hardback
Publisher:University of California Press
Published:11th Sep '09
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
The complex idea of 'species' has evolved over time, yet its meaning is far from resolved. This comprehensive work takes a fresh look at an idea central to the field of biology by tracing its history from antiquity to today. John S. Wilkins explores the essentialist view, a staple of logic from Plato and Aristotle through the Middle Ages to fairly recent times, and considers the idea of species in natural history - a concept often connected to reproduction. Tracing 'generative conceptions' of species back through Darwin to Epicurus, Wilkins provides a new perspective on the relationship between philosophical and biological approaches to this concept. He also reviews the array of current definitions. "Species" is a benchmark exploration and clarification of a concept fundamental to the past, present, and future of the natural sciences.
"The most comprehensive, encyclopedic account of the history of the thinking about species... Truly impressive." Science & Education "The most comprehensive work of its kind. It will appeal to students in a diverse set of disciplines... Highly recommended." Choice "Provides a comprehensive and interesting synthesis of the species problem today in the context of changing ideologies through history." Journal Of Human Evolution Blog "Provides a thorough background in this important topic... A valuable resource." Nsta Recommends "No other book provides this kind of comprehensive, historical account of the thinking about species. As reference work, this book is impressive." Int'l History, Philosophy, & Science Teaching Group Newsletter "A useful source for literature, ideas, and history of the topic." -- James Mallet Integrative & Comparative Bio (Sicb) "Provides an encyclopedic history of the idea of species from Plato to the present." Darwinian Conservatism Blog "[A] congenial book." Oxford Journal "It is difficult to find anything to dislike about Wilkins's study. The breadth of the work is staggering, and the amount of research that went into its discussion of every major intellectual figure and conceptual player in the species debates from Plato onward is readily apparent at every turn." -- Charles H. Pence Evolution: Education and Outreach
ISBN: 9780520260856
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 25mm
Weight: 635g
320 pages