In this thought-provoking discussion, Samir Okasha, a leading philosopher of biology, tackles foundational questions about life and agency. He explores when matter becomes an agent and the origins of morality. The conversation delves into the interplay between altruism and selfishness, the significance of emergence in complex systems, and the implications of teleology in evolution. Okasha also examines mental representation across living beings and the philosophical complexities of consciousness, offering fresh insights into agency and artificial intelligence.
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insights INSIGHT
The Inevitability of Philosophy
Everyone inherently engages in philosophical thought, whether reflectively or not.
Questions like "What is a human being?" are important, especially with AI and animal rights.
insights INSIGHT
Importance of Philosophy of Biology
Philosophy of biology addresses foundational questions like defining species and agency.
It explores the boundaries of emergent entities, crucial for policy and morality.
insights INSIGHT
Emergence of Philosophy of Biology
Philosophy of biology emerged in the 1970s, questioning the physics-centric view of science.
Evolutionary biology became central due to its unique implications for philosophical questions.
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In 'Explaining Behavior: Reasons in a World of Causes', Fred Dretske provides an original account of how reasons operate in explaining human behavior. He reconciles biological and psychological perspectives by detailing how inner states like beliefs, desires, and intentions influence actions. The book explores the role of reasons in a world governed by causes, offering insights into motivation, desire, and goal-directed behavior.
Evolution and the levels of selection
Samir Okasha
In 'Evolution and the Levels of Selection', Samir Okasha provides a detailed analysis of multilevel selection, exploring how natural selection operates at different biological levels. The book examines the formal mathematical techniques and key concepts used to understand these processes, offering insights into major evolutionary transitions and the evolution of hierarchical organization.
The causes of evolution
The causes of evolution
J.B.S. Haldane
J.B.S. Haldane's "The Causes of Evolution" is a seminal work in evolutionary biology, published in 1932. It delves into the mechanisms driving evolutionary change, particularly focusing on population genetics and the role of natural selection. Haldane's work significantly advanced the understanding of genetic drift and mutation rates. The book also explores the interplay between genetics and environmental factors in shaping evolutionary trajectories. It remains a significant contribution to the field, influencing subsequent research and debates.
The Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus
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Ludwig Wittgenstein
The descent of man
Charles Darwin
In 'The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex', Darwin extends his theory of evolution to humans, discussing how humans evolved from pre-existing forms and the role of sexual selection in this process. The book compares human physical and psychological characteristics to those of other animals, arguing that humans and other species share a common ancestry. It also explores the differences between human races and sexes, and the evolutionary basis of human behaviors and moral qualities. The work challenges the idea of special creation and argues for the continuity between humans and other animals in both anatomy and mental faculties[2][4][4].
The Evolution of the Sensitive Soul
Simona Ginsburg
Eva Jablonka
The selfish gene
Lalla Ward Richard Dawkins
Richard Dawkins
In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication. The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms. Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior. The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today[1][3][5].
Just like with physics, in biology it is perfectly possible to do most respectable work without thinking much about philosophy, but there are unmistakably foundational questions where philosophy becomes crucial. When do we say that a collection of matter (or bits) is alive? When does it become an agent, capable of making decisions? What are the origins of morality and altruistic behavior? We talk with one of the world's leading experts, Samir Okasha, about the biggest issues in modern philosophy of biology.
Samir Okasha received his D.Phil. in Philosophy from the University of Oxford. He is currently Professor of the Philosophy of Science at the University of Bristol. He is a winner of the Lakatos Award for his book Evolution and the Levels of Selection, and is a Fellow of the British Academy.
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