ABSTRACT

Over time the complex idea of "species" has evolved, yet its meaning is far from resolved. This comprehensive work is a fresh look at an idea central to the field of biology by tracing its history from antiquity to today. Species is a benchmark exploration and clarification of a concept fundamental to the past, present, and future of the natural sciences. In this edition, a section is added on the debate over species since the time of the New Synthesis, and brings the book up to date. A section on recent philosophical debates over species has also been added. This edition is better suited non-specialists in philosophy, so that it will be of greater use for scientists wishing to understand how the notion came to be that living organisms form species.

 

Key Selling Features:

  • Covers the philosophical and historical development of the concept of "species"
  • Documents that variation was recognized by pre-Darwinian scholars
  • Includes a section on the debates since the time of the New Synthesis
  • Better suited to non-philosophers

section I|2 pages

The Historical Development of “Species”

chapter 1|32 pages

The Classical Era: Science by Division

chapter 2|14 pages

The Medieval Bridge

chapter 3|76 pages

Species and the Birth of Modern Science

chapter 4|36 pages

The Nineteenth Century, a Period of Change

chapter 5|38 pages

Darwin and the Darwinians

chapter 6|18 pages

The Species Problem Arises

chapter 7|18 pages

The Synthesis and Species

section II|2 pages

Modern Debates

chapter 8|14 pages

Reproductive Isolation Concepts

chapter 9|14 pages

Phylogenetic Species Concepts

chapter 10|14 pages

Other Species Concepts

chapter 11|6 pages

Historical Summary and Conclusions

section III|2 pages

Philosophical Discussions of the Species Concept

chapter 12|6 pages

Philosophy and Species

Introduction

chapter 13|62 pages

The Development of the Philosophy of Species

chapter 14|24 pages

Species Realism 1