Product Description

Scientists act within a social context and from a philosophical perspective that is inherently political. Whether they realize it or not, scientists always choose sides. "The Dialectical Biologist" explores this political nature of scientific inquiry, advancing its argument within the framework of Marxist dialectic. These essays stress the concepts of continual change and co-determination between organism and environment, part and whole, structure and process, science and politics. Throughout, this book questions our accepted definitions and biases, showing the self-reflective nature of scientific activity within society.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #400525 in Books
• Published on: 1987-03-15
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.03 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Review
An extremely readable and very provocative book. (New Scientist )

The book successfully achieves the authors' goal of demonstrating by example the power and nature of the dialectical method. Its usefulness, however, extends well beyond this. The articles are intellectually challenging in content as well as method. And by collecting in one place articles on evolution, scientific analysis and the social dimensions of science--the book's three major divisions--the authors have provided a valuable tool for exploring the complexity and richness of biology...The Dialectical Biologist is certain to be controversial...This book is a rich source of understanding, and it will undoubtedly stimulate important discussion. (New York Times Book Review )

This important and controversial book will be hotly discussed by biologists. (Library Journal )

About the Author
Richard Levins is John Rock Professor of Population Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health.

Richard Lewontin is Alexander Agassiz Research Professor at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University. His many books include Biology and Ideology, Not in Our Genes, and Human Diversity.