|
Class number:
2992
|
|
Title: Philosophy of Biology |
|
Department: Philosophy |
|
Career: Undergraduate |
|
Component: Lecture |
|
Session: Regular |
|
Instructor's Permission Required: No |
|
Grading Basis: Regular |
|
Units: 1.00 |
| Enrollment limited to 29 |
|
Current enrollment: 19 |
|
Available seats: 10 |
|
Start date: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 |
|
End date: Friday, May 12, 2023 |
|
Mode of Instruction: In Person |
|
Schedule: T: 1:30PM-4:10PM, MC - 303 |
|
|
Instructor(s): Theurer, Kari |
|
Prerequisite(s): None |
|
Distribution Requirement: Meets Humanities Requirement |
Course Description:
Evolutionary theory raises many pressing conceptual and philosophical questions. We begin with the basics of Darwin's theory, the historical context in which it developed, and how it has evolved into contemporary evolutionary theory. We will then consider the following philosophical questions. What is life? What are genes? Are species real? Could evolutionary biology be reduced to genetics? What can evolutionary theory contribute to our understanding of the psychology of both human and non-human animals? Did consciousness evolve, and if so, how? Is genuine altruism possible, and might there be an evolutionary foundation for ethics? We will consider all of these questions and more. No special background in biology is required; the only prerequisites are curiosity about the natural world and a willingness to learn. |