What Makes Biology Unique?: Considerations on the Autonomy of a Scientific Discipline
by Ernst Mayr
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Book Summary Information
Author: Ernst MayrEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2004-08-09
ISBN: 0521841143
Number of pages: 246
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Book Reviews of What Makes Biology Unique?: Considerations on the Autonomy of a Scientific Discipline
Book Review: Mayr Debunks Vitalism and Teleology {as nonscientific}:
Summary: 5 Stars
My favorite quotes from this text are:
"glossary [...] vitalism: the now thoroughly refuted belief in the existence of an occult invisible force in living organisms responsible for the manifestations of life in any living organism [p.225...] certain basic ontological principles [...] were shown to be erroneous [...] certain basic explanatory principles not supported by the laws of physical sciences and eventually found to be invalid. The two major principles here involved are vitalism and a belief in cosmic teleology [p.022]."
Note: Mayr's language includes "thoroughly refuted" & "belief" & "erroneous" & "invalid."
Summary of What Makes Biology Unique?: Considerations on the Autonomy of a Scientific Discipline
This collection of revised and new essays argues that biology is an autonomous science rather than a branch of the physical sciences. Ernst Mayr, widely considered the most eminent evolutionary biologist of the 20th century, offers insights on the history of evolutionary thought, critiques the conditions of philosophy to the science of biology, and comments on several of the major developments in evolutionary theory. Notably, Mayr explains that Darwin's theory of evolution is actually five separate theories, each with its own history, trajectory and impact. Ernst Mayr, commonly referred to as the "Darwin of the 20th century" and listed as one of the top 100 scientists of all-time, is Professor Emeritus at Harvard University. What Makes Biology Unique is the 25th book he has written during his long and prolific career. His recent books include This is Biology: The Science of the Living World (Belknap Press, 1997) and What Evolution Is (Basic Books, 2002).General Books
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- Essays & Commentary
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- Biological Sciences > Biology > General
- Zoology > General
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