Subject Area: Philosophy

The understanding we have of our nature as biological beings, and perhaps more, is a fascinating topic which has captivated thinkers for thousands of years. In this module we will chart its history and focus on the developments in the recent past. We will begin by discussing the account of evolution by natural selection presented by Charles Darwin 150 years ago. We will chart responses to this account and how this account has changed our understanding of ourselves.

This course aims to introduce you to issues and ideas in the Philosophy of Biology that have widely informed intellectual debate and that have had a significant impact upon the ways in which we think about ourselves. You will discover what other people have thought about these matters, and you will be encouraged to think about them for yourself.