A Companion to the Philosophy of Biology

A Companion to the Philosophy of Biology promises to offer “concise overviews of philosophical issues raised by all areas of biology” (inside front cover) with a main focus on evolutionary theory. Other topics include: molecular biology, developmental biology, immunology, ecology, theories of mind and behaviour, and general themes of philosophy of biology and methodology of enquiry. In the introduction editors Sarkas and Plutynski state that it is pitched at students and beginning scholars. As I found out, it is also appropriate for those, like the reviewer, with a rusty scientific background.

As can be expected of a compilation of essays,...