Can biology be explained entirely in terms of chemistry and then physics? If so, that’s “reductionism.” Or are there “emergent” properties at higher levels of the hierarchy of life that cannot be explained by properties at lower or more basic levels?
Can biology be explained entirely in terms of chemistry and then physics? If so, that’s “reductionism.” Or are there “emergent” properties at higher levels of the hierarchy of life that cannot be explained by properties at lower or more basic levels?
Humanity’s future is now framed by artificial intelligence (AI) and increasing interventions in the human body to cure and to enhance, i.e., transhumanism. Considering the stakes, and the dangers, a philosophical perspective is imperative.
Humanity’s future is now framed by artificial intelligence (AI) and increasing interventions in the human body to cure and to enhance, i.e., transhumanism. Considering the stakes and the dangers, a philosophical perspective is imperative.
What is information in biology? information is essential for analyzing data and testing hypotheses. But what is information in evolution, population genetics, levels of selection, and molecular genetics? Is computational biology transformational?
What are biological theories, their scope and depth? How do biologists think? How do they conduct their research and construct their theories? What happens when traditional theories are challenged?
What are biological theories, their scope and depth? How do biologists think? How do they conduct their research and construct their theories? What happens when traditional theories are challenged?
What can evolution reveal about the developmental history of thinking and feeling? How did cognition and emotion (affect) co-develop over evolutionary time? Moreover, what can we learn from evolution about the mystery of consciousness?
How does consciousness weave its magical web of inner awareness—appreciating music, enjoying art, feeling love? Even when all mental functions may be explained, the great mystery—what it ‘feels like’ inside—will likely remain. This is the ‘Hard Problem’ of consciousness. What could even count as a theory of consciousness, even in principle?
Ecology, environmental protection, and dealing with climate change are among humanity’s most serious problems. Can a philosophical perspective clarify old issues and suggest new solutions?
What is “human” nature? While human beings are animals, we believe we are special, radically different from other animals. Why? What traits are unique to humans? Are we sure? How to explore human nature from a biological and evolutionary perspective?
What is the extended evolutionary synthesis (EES) and why better? Includes multilevel selection, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, niche construction, evolvability, and ideas from evolutionary developmental biology. Why is EES controversial?