Unit name | Philosophy of Biology |
---|---|
Unit code | PHILM0006 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Professor. Okasha |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Philosophy |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit will enable students to gain a good understanding of concepts and theories in evolutionary biology, and should be in a position to apply this knowledge in assessing the implications of modern biotechnology. Issues to be discussed in the seminars will include: the logical structure of evolutionary theory; the notions of fitness and adaptation; alternative conceptions of 'gene'; debates about the units of selection; the nature and individuation of species; theories of classification.
On successful completion of this unit, students should:
2 x 1-hour lecture + 1-hour seminar each week + essay tutorials
One essay of 5,000-6,000 words (excluding notes and bibliography)
Recommended:
Richard Dawkins, The Blind Watchmaker
Further biological detail can be found in Mark Ridley’s book Evolution (Blackwell 2003).