The Evolution of Agency and Other Essays
Summary
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The Evolution of Agency and Other Essays by Kim Sterelny
This book presents a collection of linked essays written by one of the leading philosophers of biology, Kim Sterelny, on the topic of biological evolution. The first half of the book explores most of the main theoretical controversies about evolution and selection. Sterelny argues that genes are not the only replicators: non-genetic inheritance is also extremely important, and is no mere epiphenomenon of gene selection. The second half of the book applies some of these ideas in considering cognitive evolution. Concentrating on the mental capacities of simpler animals rather than those of humans, Sterelny argues for a general distinction between detection and representation, and that the evolution of belief, like that of representation, can be decoupled from the evolution of preference. These essays, some never before published, form a coherent whole that defends not just an overall conception of evolution, but also a distinctive take on cognitive evolution.
'… a wonderful collection of essaysEveryone interested in the philosophy of biology and in evolutionary philosophy of mind should read these essays.' Erkenntnis
Kim Sterelny is a Philosophy Senior Professor at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. Language and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Language is his co-authored book with Michael Devitt.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780521645379 |
| ISBN 10 | 0521645379 |
| Title | The Evolution of Agency and Other Essays |
| Author | Kim Sterelny |
| Series | Cambridge Studies In Philosophy And Biology |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Year published | 2000-11-06 |
| Number of pages | 328 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |