Philosophy of Biology - (Princeton Foundations of Contemporary Philosophy) by Peter Godfrey-Smith

The Philosophy of Biology by Peter Godfrey-Smith is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the philosophy of biology, providing sophisticated coverage of central topics and latest developments in the field.

This book is essential for philosophers, biologists, and students of both, as it discusses the relation between philosophy and science, examines laws, mechanistic explanation, and idealized models in biological theories, and assesses attempts to extend Darwin's mechanism to explain changes in ideas, culture, and other phenomena.

The book also covers functions and teleology, individuality and organisms, species, the tree of life, and human nature, with detailed treatments of evolution cooperation, information in biology, and communication in living systems at all scales.

With admirable clarity, Godfrey-Smith demonstrates why the philosophy of biology is one of the most exciting areas in contemporary philosophy, making this book an essential guide for anyone interested in the important philosophical issues raised by the biological sciences.