Evolutionary worlds without end

Diversity and complexity are the hallmarks of living forms. Yet science aims for general causal explanations of its observations. So how can these be reconciled? Is it possible for a science of life to conform to the requirement of a general theory-the type of theory seen in a 'hard' science such as physics? These are the questions that are explored in this important new book. In Evolutionary Worlds without end, Henry Plotkin considers whether there is any general theory in biology, including the social sciences, that is in any way equivalent to the general theories of physics. He starts by examining Ernest Rutherford's dictum as to what science is. In the later chapters he considers the possibility, within an historical framework, of a general theory being based upon selection processes. Throughout, the author constructs a compelling argument for the idea that there are, within biology, something similar to the general theories that make physics such powerful science. This book will be valuable for all those in the biological and social sciences, particularly biologists and psychologists as well as philosophers of science. --Book Jacket.

Year

2010

Language

English

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Editions

1

Pages

214

ISBN

9780199544950

Data source: Wikidata