University of Stirling

Philosophy

Current Students: Undergraduates

 

Core modules and Options at Level 10

PHI9MC Philosophy of Biology

The module aims to give each student an understanding of contemporary philosophy of biology, through the explanation and critical discussion of prominent theories and arguments in the field. The module will begin with a brief introduction to contemporary neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory. Following that it will explore a series of issues raised within evolutionary theory, issues that have a philosophical dimension (e.g. ‘Are genes the units of selection?’, ‘Is adaptation through natural selection the primary cause of nearly all organic form?’). Finally, the module will address a number of controversial questions that have wider social and political significance, questions such as  ‘What are the ethical implications of evolutionary theory?’, and ‘Is Darwinism in conflict with religion?’. Scientific material will be presented within the module in a manner that is fully accessible to students who have an arts and humanities background.

Outcome

The module aims to give each student:

  • an understanding of contemporary philosophy of biology, through the explanation and critical discussion of prominent theories and arguments in the field
  • a grasp of the conceptual issues that surround certain key biological terms and ideas;
  • a detailed knowledge of certain key texts in philosophy of biology
  • the capacity to explain and to critically discuss the arguments presented in those texts;
  • a clear sense of the wider intellectual and social relevance of the questions addressed.
More generally, students will develop further their capacity to grasp, explain, analyse and criticise intellectual positions and arguments.

 

Reading

Required Texts

Brian Garvey, 2007, Philosophy of Biology, published by Acumen.

 

Availability:

 Honours semester 5/7, BA in Philosophy or the General degree

Prerequisite:

 PHI9CA or PHI9CB

Assessment:

Coursework (one required essay) 50%; examination (3 questions in 3 hours) 50%. Students may choose to submit a second essay to improve their coursework grade.

Teaching Pattern:

 Each week there will be two one-hour lectures and one one-hour seminar

Regulation:

For the purposes of the University’s attendance regulation 14, lectures and seminars are prescribed classes. The rationale for prescribing these classes may be found in the Philosophy Student Handbook, section F. This section also contains regulations relating to the submission of essays, and other matters.

 

If you would like to know more about this module please contact Mike Wheeler.