Each volume in this series of companions to major philosophers contains specially commissioned essays by an international team of scholars (in this case, 17 from as far afield as France, Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the UK). They also contain substantive bibliographies (here 37 pages) which will serve as a reference work for students and non‐specialists. Other volumes in the series cover, for example, Descartes, Marx and Newton.
Lecturers in history and philosophy of science at the University of Leeds, UK, Jonathan Hodge and Gregory Radick have edited the contributions and each provided chapters. The book covers a range of topics and encompasses many views on Darwin. However, the editors do take sides on one point: Darwin’s theories were not “a conjunction of genius, luck and exceptional observational opportunity”, he was “indeed a man of ideas, a thinker” and philosopher.
Everyone’s image of Charles Darwin is as a school boyish, outdoor, nature‐loving traveller and collector. His contribution to the understanding of the history and diversity of life – including the evolutionary origin of humankind – changed science, philosophy, social thought and religious belief. Darwin was born in 1809, 50 years later his short piece entitled “On the origin of species” appeared (while he was hiding from the public in the spa town of Ilkley). This publication changed modern thinking.
The chapters come in four clusters, two broadly historical and two broadly philosophical. On the historical side there are divergences between those who see Darwin as a romantic and those who see him as a child of the enlightenment. On the philosophical side there are some who see limits to what philosophy can gain from Darwinian resources and others who see no limits whatsoever. The introductory chapter is written by the two editors and is a good overview of the book. The final three chapters cover “Ways forward” and show how Darwin is still having influence today and indeed the final chapter is named “Giving Darwin his due” which summarises the twentieth century significance of Darwinism. A guide to further reading is especially useful in identifying works that would be worthwhile reading for those wishing to take their interest further. It also includes pointers to online sources. The index is thorough.
This is a comprehensive guide to the man, his life and his influence on modern science. It is easy to read and should be the first port of call for anyone with an interest in Darwin.
