The Cambridge Companion to Darwin

The naturalist and geologist Charles Darwin (1809–82) ranks as one of the most influential scientific thinkers of all time. In the nineteenth century his ideas about the history and diversity of life - including the evolutionary origin of humankind - contributed to major changes in the sciences, philosophy, social thought and religious belief. This volume provides the reader with clear, lively and balanced introductions to the most recent scholarship on Darwin and his intellectual legacies. A distinguished team of contributors examines Darwin’s main scientific ideas and their development; Darwin’s science in the context of its times; the influence of Darwinian thought in recent philosophical, social and religious debate; and the importance of Darwinian thought for the future of naturalist philosophy. New readers will find this a most convenient and accessible guide to Darwin. Advanced students and specialists will find a conspectus of recent developments in the interpretation of Darwin.

• Extensive coverage of the recent historical as well as philosophical scholarship on Darwin and his intellectual legacies • Written in a clear and lively style • Very distinguished team of contributors

List of contributors; Preface; Introduction Jonathan Hodge and Gregory Radick; Part I. Darwin’s Theorising: 1. The making of a philosophical naturalist Phillip R. Sloan; 2. The notebook programmes and projects of Darwin’s London years Jonathan Hodge; 3. Darwin on generation, pangenesis and sexual selection Jim Endersby; 4. Darwin on mind, morals and emotions Robert J. Richards; 5. The arguments in the Origin of Species C. Kenneth Waters; Part II. Historical Contexts: 6. Is the theory of natural selection independent of its history? Gregory Radick; 7. Darwin’s science and Victorian philosophy of science David L. Hull; 8. Darwin and Victorian Christianity John Hedley Brooke; 9. Darwin, social Darwinism and eugenics Diane B. Paul; 10. From Darwin to today in evolutionary biology Jean Gayon; Part III. Philosophical Themes: 11. Metaphysical and epistemological issues in modern Darwinian theory Elliott Sober; 12. Darwinian concepts in the philosophy of mind Kim Sterelny; 13. Darwinism in moral philosophy and social theory Alex Rosenberg; 14. Belief in God in a Darwinian age Michael Ruse; Part IV. Ways Forward: 15. In Darwin’s wake, where am I? Daniel C. Dennett; 16. Ethical expressions: why moralists scowl, frown and smile Owen Flanagan; 17. Giving Darwin his due Philip Kitcher; Guide to further reading; List of references; Index.