Philosophy of Microbiology
Philosophy of Microbiology
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Microbes and microbiology are seldom encountered in philosophical accounts of the life sciences. Although microbiology is a well-established science and microbes the basis of life on this planet, neither the organisms nor the science have been seen as philosophically significant. This book will change that. It fills a major gap in the philosophy of biology by examining central philosophical issues in microbiology. Topics are drawn from evolutionary microbiology, microbial ecology, and microbial classification. These discussions are aimed at philosophers and scientists who wish to gain insight into the basic philosophical issues of microbiology.
- Fills a major gap in the philosophy of biology, which is currently limited to large-organism biology
- Demonstrates to philosophers and scientists the philosophical topics inherent in the study of microorganisms
- Microbiology and microbes have not been seen as philosophically significant – this book will change that
Reviews & endorsements
'Many readers will be familiar with the basic concepts behind the topics discussed in this book, but the author's treatment of these topics is guaranteed to make readers think about them more deeply and in new ways … Recommended. Graduate students, researchers/faculty, professionals/practitioners.' R. K. Harris, Choice
'Philosophy of Microbiology raises new questions relevant to both historical and contemporary topics in the philosophy of science, such as modelling and individuality. I recommend this book to philosophers of science who wish to see old philosophical questions in a new and stimulating context.' Alison K. McConwell, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
'Philosophy of Microbiology is a thought-provoking and comprehensive look at the influence of microbiology on how we conceive of and study the living world.' Paul Sniegowski, The Quarterly Review of Biology
Product details
August 2014Paperback
9781107621503
280 pages
228 × 152 × 16 mm
0.41kg
26 b/w illus. 1 table
Available
Table of Contents
- An introduction to philosophy of microbiology
- 1. Philosophy in microbiology
- microbes in philosophy
- 2. Philosophical debates in high-level microbial classification
- 3. Philosophical debates in species-level microbial classification
- 4. Philosophical issues in microbial evolution
- 5. Microbial ecology from a philosophical perspective
- 6. Microbes as model biological systems
- Conclusion. Further philosophical questions.
