Darwinism and Pragmatism

William James on Evolution and Self-Transformation

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Evolution, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Darwinism and Pragmatism by Lucas McGranahan, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Lucas McGranahan ISBN: 9781351975810
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: February 24, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Lucas McGranahan
ISBN: 9781351975810
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: February 24, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection challenges our very sense of belonging in the world. Unlike prior evolutionary theories, Darwinism construes species as mutable historical products of a blind process that serves no inherent purpose. It also represents a distinctly modern kind of fallible science that relies on statistical evidence and is not verifiable by simple laboratory experiments. What are human purpose and knowledge if humanity has no pre-given essence and science itself is our finite and fallible product?

According to the Received Image of Darwinism, Darwin’s theory signals the triumph of mechanism and reductionism in all science. On this view, the individual virtually disappears at the intersection of (internal) genes and (external) environment. In contrast, William James creatively employs Darwinian concepts to support his core conviction that both knowledge and reality are in the making, with individuals as active participants. In promoting this Pragmatic Image of Darwinism, McGranahan provides a novel reading of James as a philosopher of self-transformation. Like his contemporary Nietzsche, James is concerned first and foremost with the structure and dynamics of the finite purposive individual.

This timely volume is suitable for advanced undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers interested in the fields of history of philosophy, history and philosophy of science, history of psychology, American pragmatism and Darwinism.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection challenges our very sense of belonging in the world. Unlike prior evolutionary theories, Darwinism construes species as mutable historical products of a blind process that serves no inherent purpose. It also represents a distinctly modern kind of fallible science that relies on statistical evidence and is not verifiable by simple laboratory experiments. What are human purpose and knowledge if humanity has no pre-given essence and science itself is our finite and fallible product?

According to the Received Image of Darwinism, Darwin’s theory signals the triumph of mechanism and reductionism in all science. On this view, the individual virtually disappears at the intersection of (internal) genes and (external) environment. In contrast, William James creatively employs Darwinian concepts to support his core conviction that both knowledge and reality are in the making, with individuals as active participants. In promoting this Pragmatic Image of Darwinism, McGranahan provides a novel reading of James as a philosopher of self-transformation. Like his contemporary Nietzsche, James is concerned first and foremost with the structure and dynamics of the finite purposive individual.

This timely volume is suitable for advanced undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers interested in the fields of history of philosophy, history and philosophy of science, history of psychology, American pragmatism and Darwinism.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Personality Assessment (Psychology Revivals) by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book Management Skills in Primary Schools by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book Two Worlds of International Relations by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book From New Towns to Green Politics by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book Discipline in Schools by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book CSR, Sustainability, and Leadership by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book Policing Citizens by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book The Spanish Civil War by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book Globalization and Governance by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book Politics UK by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book The Conservative Party and European Integration since 1945 by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book An Everyday Geography of the Global South by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book Leisure in the Industrial Revolution by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book Hospitable God by Lucas McGranahan
Cover of the book Christianity by Lucas McGranahan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy