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Organisms, Agency, and Evolution D. M. Walsh (University of Toronto)

Organisms, Agency, and Evolution By D. M. Walsh (University of Toronto)

Organisms, Agency, and Evolution by D. M. Walsh (University of Toronto)


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Summary

This book proposes an alternative theory of evolution as organism-centred, prioritising organisms as adaptive agents and challenging the Modern Synthesis theory of evolution which prioritises genes over organisms. It is of interest to scholars and upper-level students of evolutionary biology and the philosophy of biology.

Organisms, Agency, and Evolution Summary

Organisms, Agency, and Evolution by D. M. Walsh (University of Toronto)

The central insight of Darwin's Origin of Species is that evolution is an ecological phenomenon, arising from the activities of organisms in the 'struggle for life'. By contrast, the Modern Synthesis theory of evolution, which rose to prominence in the twentieth century, presents evolution as a fundamentally molecular phenomenon, occurring in populations of sub-organismal entities - genes. After nearly a century of success, the Modern Synthesis theory is now being challenged by empirical advances in the study of organismal development and inheritance. In this important study, D. M. Walsh shows that the principal defect of the Modern Synthesis resides in its rejection of Darwin's organismal perspective, and argues for 'situated Darwinism': an alternative, organism-centred conception of evolution that prioritises organisms as adaptive agents. His book will be of interest to scholars and advanced students of evolutionary biology and the philosophy of biology.

Organisms, Agency, and Evolution Reviews

'Walsh provides a concise and well-informed account of [20th-century] modern evolutionary thinking and its shortcomings, as well as argue[s] for a more ecologically-focused theory. Organisms, Agency, and Evolution is a salient addition to the fundamental understanding of evolutionary biology. This book is highly recommended to undergraduate and graduate students of evolutionary biology. It may also serve as a reference guide for advanced researchers and educators.' Termara Parker, Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine

About D. M. Walsh (University of Toronto)

D. M. Walsh is Professor in the Department of Philosophy, the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. He is the editor of Naturalism, Evolution and Mind (Cambridge, 2001) and the coeditor of Evolutionary Biology: Conceptual, Ethical and Religious Issues (with R. Paul Thompson, Cambridge, 2014).

Table of Contents

Introducing organisms: between unificationism and exceptionalism; Part I. The Eclipse of The Organism: 1. Mechanism, reduction and emergence: of molecules and method; 2. Ensemble thinking: struggle and abstraction; 3. The fractionation of evolution: struggling or replicating?; Part II. Beyond Replicator Biology: 4. Inheritance: transmission or resemblance?; 5. Units of phenotypic control: parity or privilege?; 6. Fit and diversity: from competition to complementarity; 7. Integrating development: three grades of ontogenetic commitment; Part III. Situated Darwinism: 8. Adaptation: environments and affordances; 9. Natural purposes: mechanism and teleology; 10. Object and agent: enacting evolution; 11. Two neo-Darwinisms: fractionated or situated?; References; Index.

Additional information

GOR012419950
9781107552425
1107552427
Organisms, Agency, and Evolution by D. M. Walsh (University of Toronto)
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Cambridge University Press
2018-03-15
293
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

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