The nature of philosophy and the philosophy of nature

摘要: Peter Godfrey-Smith’s introduction to the philosophy of biology is excellent. This review questions one implication his book, namely that Darwin’s case for efficacy natural selection was hampered by ignorance particulate nature inheritance. I suggest, instead, Darwin handicapped an inability effectively engage in quantitative population thinking. also question understanding role Malthusian struggle plays linking origination new adaptive traits, and raise problems defence apparently unproblematic conceptions human nature. Finally, highlight welcome conception a ‘philosophy nature’ developed Godfrey-Smith.