The Dialectical Biologist

Richard Levins, Richard Lewontin

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English

Harvard University Press
15 March 1987

Mathematics & Sciences; Biology, life sciences

Scientists act within a social context and from a philosophical perspective that is inherently political. Whether they realize it or not, scientists always choose sides. The Dialectical Biologist explores this political nature of scientific inquiry, advancing its argument within the framework of Marxist dialectic. These essays stress the concepts of continual change and codetermination between organism and environment, part and whole, structure and process, science and politics. Throughout, this book questions our accepted definitions and biases, showing the self-reflective nature of scientific activity within society.

By: Richard Levins, Richard Lewontin
Imprint: Harvard University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: New edition
Dimensions: Height: 210mm, Width: 137mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 358g
ISBN: 9780674202832
ISBN 10: 067420283X
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 15 March 1987
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Professional & Vocational , A / AS level , Further / Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction 1. On Evolution Evolution as Theory and Ideology Adaptation The Organism as the Subject and Object of Evolution 2. On Analysis The Analysis of Variance and the Analysis of Causes Isidore Nabi on the Tendencies of Motion Dialectics and Reductionism in Ecology 3. Science as a Social Product and the Social Product of Science The Problem of Lysenkoism The Commoditizatjon of Science The Political Economy of Agricultural Research Applied Biology in the Third World The Pesticide System Research Needs for Latin Community Health What Is Human Nature? Conclusion: Dialectics Bibliography Index

Richard Levins was John Rock Professor of Population Sciences at the Harvard School of Public Health. Richard Lewontin is Alexander Agassiz Research Professor at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University. His many books include Biology and Ideology, Not in Our Genes, and Human Diversity.

Reviews for The Dialectical Biologist

An extremely readable and very provocative book. New Scientist The book successfully achieves the authors' goal of demonstrating by example the power and nature of the dialectical method. Its usefulness, however, extends well beyond this. The articles are intellectually challenging in content as well as method. And by collecting in one place articles on evolution, scientific analysis and the social dimensions of science--the book's three major divisions--the authors have provided a valuable tool for exploring the complexity and richness of biology...The Dialectical Biologist is certain to be controversial...This book is a rich source of understanding, and it will undoubtedly stimulate important discussion. New York Times Book Review This important and controversial book will be hotly discussed by biologists. Library Journal