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The Dialectical Biologist

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( 207 ratings, 38 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Dialectical Biologist presents a series of essays exploring the inherently political nature of scientific inquiry through the lens of Marxist dialectic. It emphasises continual change and the interdependence between organism and environment, part and whole, structure and process, as well as science and politics. The book challenges accepted definitions and biases, highlighting the self-reflective role of science within society.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in the philosophy of science, biology, and the social context of scientific practice, particularly those open to Marxist and dialectical perspectives.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

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. This book explores the political nature of scientific inquiry, advancing its argument within the framework of Marxist dialectic.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Scientists act within a social context and from a philosophical perspective that is inherently political. Whether they realise 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.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book is intellectually challenging and succeeds in demonstrating the power of the dialectical method. It brings together essays on evolution, scientific analysis, and the social dimensions of science, making it a valuable resource. It is expected to be controversial but is praised as a rich source of understanding that will provoke important discussion. New York Times Book Review, Library Journal, and New Scientist have all acknowledged its provocative and readable nature.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780674202832

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 March 1987

Country: United States

Imprint: Harvard University Press

Illustration: 6 line illustrations, 4 tables

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 137.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 358g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Richard Levins was John Rock Professor of Population Sciences at the Harvard School of Public Health. Richard Lewontin was Alexander Agassiz Research Professor of Zoology, Emeritus, at the Harvard University Museum of Comparative Zoology. His many books include Biology and Ideology, Not in Our Genes, and Human Diversity.

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