The Philosophy of Biology

This book brings together for the first time philosophers of biology to write about some of the most central concepts and issues in their field from the perspective of biology education. The chapters of the book cover a variety of topics ranging from traditional ones, such as biological explanation, biology and religion or biology and ethics, to contemporary ones, such as genomics, systems biology or evolutionary developmental biology. Each of the 30 chapters covers the respective philosophical literature in detail and makes specific suggestions for biology education.

The aim of this book is to inform biology educators, undergraduate and graduate students in biology and related fields, students in teacher training programs, and curriculum developers about the current state of discussion on the major topics in the philosophy of biology and its implications for teaching biology. In addition, the book can be valuable to philosophers of biology as an introductory text in undergraduate and graduate courses.

“The Philosophy of Biology: A Companion for Educators delivers on its promise of demonstrating that philosophical discussions of biology have a great deal to contribute to biology education. Indeed, the numerous essays it contains provide a wide range of practical pedagogical recommendations that teachers can implement in their classes. … institutions will have the sense and foresight to stock one or more copies of this hefty tome in their libraries so that it attains the wide readership it undoubtedly deserves.” (Daniel J. Nicholson, History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences, January, 2016)

“A most useful addition to the scholarly resources available to both science educators and science education researchers. The volume gathers several well-known scholars in the philosophy of biology, addressing a large range of topics in good quality and generally accessible chapters. … this is a highly commendable book, which will find a natural and deserved place in the library … . a book to be carefully read and, above all, put to good use in our classrooms and inquiries.” (Charbel N. El-Hani, International History, Philosophy and Science Teaching Group IHPST Newsletter/Science & Education, May, 2014)

“This impressive volume–the first of its kind–explores some of the most pressing issues in the philosophy of biology from the perspective of biology education … . is intended for biology teachers, undergraduate students of biology and philosophy of biology, curriculum developers and philosophers of biology. … each chapter offers an extensive literature review, which would be of tremendous help to anyone looking to explore further the area of focus. … Overall, the book makes valuable contributions … .” (Costas Mannouris, Metascience, October, 2013)

"This is an unusual and, for that reason, an extraordinarily important volume. It is not only a compendium on philosophical discussions of all the major issues in biology over the past centuries, it is also written by philosophers well-acquainted with biology itself and aimed at educators. The important lesson that is conveyed is that science is a process involving every sort of consideration from epistemology to assumptions made and experimental design, to reasoning toward conclusions. Articles by the leading scholars in philosophy of biology analyze in cogent, non-jargonistic language, major issues such as “scientific creationism” and “Intelligent Design”, evo-devo, micro- and macro-evolution, reductionism, ethics in biomedical research and numerous others. This will be a valuable “companion” for biology instructors and pedagogical researchers at both the secondary and university levels, and especially in teacher-education programs. It will also be of important use to biologists doing cutting-edge research, suggesting ways they may want to think about their work. Most important, it brings a multitude of philosophical issues to bear on teaching students how to think about science as a field of dynamic inquiry, rather than one of static information." (Garland E. Allen, Professor of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, December 2013)

"The Philosophy of Biology: A Companion for Educators is an important and comprehensive contribution to biology and biology education authored by a remarkable group of scholars.  The nature of science has a unique flavor within biology and editor Kostas Kampourakis has assembled experts with both the expertise and communication skills to comment engagingly on virtually every aspect of the nature of biology.  Scholars of the history and philosophy of biology and biology educators will be informed by the range and depth provided by the rich diversity of chapters that comprise this important new work." (William F. McComas,Parks Family Professor of Science Education, University of Arkansas USA, December 2013)

"This unique anthology’s 30-chapters take research in ‘philosophy of science and science teaching’ to a whole new level of scholarly sophistication. The book will be welcomed by biologists, philosophers and educators; it will establish a new and indispensable baseline for future research in biology education." (Michael R. Matthews, School of Education, University of New South Wales, Australia, November 2013)

"An important collection for the area." (Jean Gayon Professeur à l'Université Paris 1-Panthéon Sorbonne, membre senior de l'IUF, Directeur de l'IHPST, September 2013)