US/EN
The Dialectical Biologist
Richard Levins
(Author)
Richard C Lewontin
(With)
Description
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.Product Details
Price
$46.80
Publisher
Harvard University Press
Publish Date
March 15, 1987
Pages
336
Dimensions
6.17 X 9.26 X 0.71 inches | 1.03 pounds
Language
English
Type
Paperback
EAN/UPC
9780674202832
BISAC Categories:
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About the Author
Richard Levins is John Rock Professor of Population Sciences, Department of Population and International Health at Harvard University.
Reviews
This important and controversial book will be hotly discussed by biologists.--Library Journal
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
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
