Under The Microscope

SEX AND DEATH -- AN INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY OF BIOLOGY, by Kim Sterelny and Paul E. Griffiths; University of Chicago Press, 1999; 456 pp; $44.00 (paperback)

Reviewed by Vincent Gray

Biological science has been revolutionised by the discovery of the part played by DNA in reproduction. It is almost impossible for the non-specialist to keep up with the impact of modern genetics on evolution, reproduction, ecology human and animal behaviour, sex, emotion and death; issues we face in our daily lives. Those who have dabbled in the works of Richard Dawkins, Stephen Jay Gould and E.O. Wilson need something more.

This book provides the answer. It is a truly comprehensive survey of contemporary biological science. It appraises the value of alternative views on each chosen topic, and guides the reader on their interpretation. In 381 pages of text, 8 pages of glossary, and 679 references to the published literature it is all too modest in claiming only to be "an introduction".

Kim Sterelny is a Reader in Philosophy at Victoria University and Paul Griffiths is director of the Unit for the History and Philosophy of Science at Sydney University. Both have made major contributions to contemporary biological science, and this book brings together their considered views of the whole field.

Biological science operates on a different wavelength to physical science, and some physicists accuse it of being non-scientific. Most of this book consists of logical argument, contrasting the merits of differing theories and interpretations of biological facts, and expressing opinions on their relative merit. They follow the tradition of Darwin himself, whose works depend on this technique. Some of the references are in peer-reviewed journals, but the most influential; including Darwin, published as books, monographs, or magazine articles; unrestricted by the peer review process. The authors regard their general process of logical argument as "philosophy".

It is a little surprising to learn that we do not really know what a gene consists of, what exactly constitutes an organism, or how to define "life". Even a definition of "species" appears to depend on an acceptance of the theory of punctuated equilibrium, and even if we can define a species, we cannot be sure about genera, phyla or kingdoms. The interaction between nature and nurture still pervades the discussion, with much controversy over which dominates.

The Title Sex and Death is a shame, as it gives a false impression of the comprehensive character of the book's contents, and of its value. It covers far more topics than this title suggests. If you want a modern discussion on evolution, selection, genes, species, sociobiology, ecology, life, death, sex and emotion, this is the book for you. But, I warn you, it is hard intellectual effort.