In this volume, Andrea Borghini and Elena Casetta introduce a wide spectrum of key philosophical problems related to life sciences in a neat framework and an accessible style, with a special emphasis on metaphysical issues. The volume is divided into three parts. The first addresses the two main questions stemming from life sciences: what is life, and what is the correct understanding of the theory of evolution? The second part looks at metaphysical questions concerning biological entities: environments, species, organisms, and biological individuals. The third part focuses on theoretical questions of particular ethical and political significance: sex and gender, the biotechnological revolution, and the evolution of behavior and culture. Each chapter is followed by a list of further readings.
Associate professor in Philosophy at the University of Milan (Italy), Andrea Borghini previously taught Philosophy at the College of the Holy Cross (2007–2017). Andrea’s main current research projects regard hunger, recipes, and the ways we conceive of the future of food.
Elena Casetta is assistant professor in Philosophy at the University of Turin (Italy), where she teaches Philosophy of Nature and Philosophy of Biology. Elena works mainly on the species problem and the philosophy of biodiversity, with a focus on conservation sciences.
Preface to the English Translation Foreword
Introduction: From Biology to Philosophy—and Back
part 1: Processes
1 Life
2 Darwin
3 Evolution after Darwin
part 2: Entities
4 Biodiversity
5 Species
6 Organisms
7 Individuals
part 3: Implications
8 Sex
9 The Biotechnological Revolution
10 Other Evolutions References
Ideal for introducing students to philosophy of biology. The spectrum of topics also makes the text suited to courses devoted to the evolution of culture, bioethics, environmental philosophy, and metaphysics.