Modern biological classification is based on the system developed by Linnaeus, and interpreted by Darwin as representing the tree of life. But despite its widespread acceptance, the evolutionary interpretation has some problems and limitations. This comprehensive book provides a single resource for understanding all the main philosophical issues and controversies about biological classification. It surveys the history of biological classification from Aristotle to contemporary phylogenetics and shows how modern biological classification has developed and changed over time. Readers will also be able to see how biological classification is in part a consequence of human psychology, language development and culture. The book will be valuable for student readers and others interested in a range of topics in philosophy and biology.
By:
Richard A. Richards (University of Alabama) Imprint: Cambridge University Press Country of Publication: United Kingdom Dimensions:
Height: 254mm,
Width: 180mm,
Spine: 18mm
Weight: 760g ISBN:9781107065376 ISBN 10: 1107065372 Series:Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy and Biology Pages: 310 Publication Date:08 September 2016 Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
College/higher education
,
Undergraduate
,
Primary
Format:Hardback Publisher's Status: Active
Richard A. Richards is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alabama. His publications include The Species Problem (Cambridge, 2010) and many journal articles.
Reviews for Biological Classification: A Philosophical Introduction
'... an excellent work in the contemporary philosophy of biology ...' CHOICE