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The Metaphysics of Biology

John Dupré author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:3rd Jun '21

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The Metaphysics of Biology cover

A unique, brief survey of the metaphysics of biology, which also introduces and advocates a processual perspective on living systems.

This Element is an introduction to the metaphysics of biology, offering a very general account of the nature of the living world. It argues throughout for a view of living systems as processes rather than things or, in the technical philosophical sense, substances.This Element is an introduction to the metaphysics of biology, a very general account of the nature of the living world. The first part of the Element addresses more traditionally philosophical questions - whether biological systems are reducible to the properties of their physical parts, causation and laws of nature, substantialist and processualist accounts of life, and the nature of biological kinds. The second half will offer an understanding of important biological entities, drawing on the earlier discussions. This division should not be taken too seriously, however: the topics in both parts are deeply interconnected. Although this does not claim to be a scientific work, it does aim to be firmly grounded in our best scientific knowledge; it is an exercise in naturalistic metaphysics. Its most distinctive feature is that argues throughout for a view of living systems as processes rather than things or, in the technical philosophical sense, substances.

'For readers who know some philosophy of science and want a quick introduction to Dupré's processualism - or instructors introducing it to students - this Element is as good a place to start as any.' P. D. Magnus, Metascience

ISBN: 9781009011105

Dimensions: 229mm x 150mm x 5mm

Weight: 150g

75 pages