PHIL 363

Philosophy of Biology


Please note: this is archived course information from 2016 for PHIL 363.

Description

In this course we will examine a range of questions about the conceptual and philosophical foundations of the life sciences, which may include: What exactly is natural selection, and does it act on individual organisms, genes, or groups of organisms? Does natural selection explain everything about the amazing diversity and complexity we see in the living world? If all individual organisms are fundamentally self-interested, how do self-sacrificing behaviours evolve? How should biological research inform other areas of inquiry, like psychology and ethics?

Prior study of biology is helpful, and biology students are encouraged to attend, but the course does not assume background in biology and will include some introduction to evolutionary theory.

Availability 2016

Semester 2

Lecturer(s)

Lecturer(s) Dr Emily Parke

Points

PHIL 363: 15 points

Prerequisites

30 points at Stage II in Philosophy or 30 points from HISTORY 240, PHIL 260, SCIGEN 201

Restrictions

PHIL 263