 |
MY BOOKS |
|
 |
THE PHILOSOPHICAL BIOLOGIST PROJECT Making all pieces of the puzzle fit |
| The philosophical biologist project was triggered by my recognition of the need for students to grasp some concepts of philosophy if we are to have a full understanding of science, its origins, methods and impact on life. I realised that I, and many of my colleagues and my students, lacked insight into critical thinking, philosophy of science and ethics. I decided to start reading in the search for a more complete understanding of the scientific method. Scientists are usually trained in assimilating, and building on, new scientific discoveries without giving them much critical consideration. From my own experience, I realised that for an unprepared scientist the first contact with philosophical texts can be quite a painful and uninteresting experience. Philosophical texts are usually written in styles unfamiliar to the scientist, who prefers to keep readings and writings short and simple. Adventuring into the meanderings of philosophical thought could be compared to the untrained biologist exploring the rain forest without a GPS or even a simple map. I have identified some books which provide a good starting point to the understanding of more complex literature. I have also set up an introductory course in critical thinking for biologists and other scientists working with animals. This book list is presented in order of increasing complexity, and it aims to help life scientists, new to philosophical thought, to take the very first steps into an exciting area of knowledge. |
|
 |
Introduction to Critical Thinking | |
 |
Before embarking in any philosophical literature it is wise to start acquiring some background in Critical Thinking Critical thinking should be a compulsory introductory course in every science degree, everywhere in the world! |
|
|
Introduction to Philosophy & Philosophy of Science | |
 |
Samir Okasha (2007)-Evolution and the Levels of Selection. Oxford University Press |
 |
 |
Williams, GC. (2007)-Natural Selection Domains, Levels, and Challenges.Oxford University Press | |
|
The mind | |
 |
Gallager,S (2006)-How the body shapes the mind. Oxford University Press | |
 |
Craver,CF (2007)-Explaining the Brain. Oxford University Press |
|
 |
Norton,DF and Norton, MJ(2007)-David Hume: A Treatise of Human Nature. Volume 1: Texts. Oxford University Press | |