Embryology, Epigenesis and Evolution Taking Development Seriously [Paperback]

This book explores the nature of development against current trends in biological theory and practice.Historically, philosophers of biology have tended to sidestep the problem of development by focusing primarily on evolutionary biology and, more recently, on molecular biology and genetics. In Embryology, Epigenesis and Evolution Jason Scott Robert explores the nature of development against current trends in biological theory and practice and looks at the interrelations between development and evolution (evo-devo), an area of resurgent biological interest.Clearly written, this book should be of interest to students and professionals in the philosophy of science and the philosophy of biology.Historically, philosophers of biology have tended to sidestep the problem of development by focusing primarily on evolutionary biology and, more recently, on molecular biology and genetics. In Embryology, Epigenesis and Evolution Jason Scott Robert explores the nature of development against current trends in biological theory and practice and looks at the interrelations between development and evolution (evo-devo), an area of resurgent biological interest.Clearly written, this book should be of interest to students and professionals in the philosophy of science and the philosophy of biology.Philosophers of science have tended to avoid the problem of development by focusing primarily on evolutionary biology and, more recently, on molecular biology and genetics. Jason Scott Robert explores the nature of development as it relates to current concepts in biological theory and practice and analyzes the interrelations between development and evolution (evo-devo), an area of resurgent biological inquiry.List of figures; Preface; 1. The problem of development; 2. Exemplars; 3. Scylla and Charybdis; 4. Constitutive epigenetics; 5. Creative development; 6. A new synthesis?; 7. The devil is in the Gestalt; Endnotes; Bibliography; Index. Embryology, Epigenesis, and Evolution suggests a talãD