Description
Book SynopsisDarwinian Evolution and Classical Liberalism canvasses an array of thinkers from the past to the present as it examines fundamental political, philosophical, ethical, economic, anthropological, and scientific aspects of the ferment between Darwinian biology and classical liberalism. Early chapters focus on classical thinkers like John Locke and Adam Smith, while later chapters provide analyses of present-day classical liberals, focusing especially on F.A. Hayek, Thomas Sowell, and Larry Arnhart, the most prominent advocates of contemporary' classical liberalism. Thematically, the volume falls into three parts. Part I examines foundational matters, arguing that Darwinism and classical liberalism hold incompatible visions of morality, human nature, and individual autonomy. This section also contends that the free market's spontaneous order is fully compatible with a teleological (or non-Darwinian) view of the universe. Part II turns to contemporary applications, contending that Darwinism
Trade ReviewShould free citizens ever succumb to the “metaphysical madness” of determinism, Alexis de Tocqueville once warned, democracy would be doomed. Darwinian Evolution and Classical Liberalism is a nuanced yet definitive rebuke of the neo-Darwinian notion that human beings are ultimately governed by biological force fields beyond their control. In tracking the consequences of this metaphysical madness for the science and practice of politics, this volume renders an invaluable service to democracy and all who love liberty. -- Reed Davis, Seattle Pacific University
Table of ContentsDedication Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Pax vel Bellum?: Evolutionary Biology and Classical Liberalism: An Introduction to the Volume Part 1: Foundations: Morality and Mind, Human Nature and Nature’s Order Chapter 2: Is Darwinism Compatible with Classical Liberalism’s View of Morality? Chapter 3: Locke, Darwin, and America’s Future Chapter 4: On Invisible Hands and Intelligent Design: Must Classical Liberals also Embrace Darwinian Theory? Chapter 5: Darwinian Conservatism and Free Will Part 2: Applications: God and Country, Family and Legacy Chapter 6: Darwinism, Economic Liberty, and Limited Government Chapter 7: Darwin Knows Best: Can Evolution Support the Classical Liberal Vision of the Family? Chapter 8: Losing Our Religion: Darwinism, Secularism, and the Decline of the West Chapter 9: A History of the Impact of Darwinism on Natural Rights and Bioethics Part 3: Alternative Perspectives Chapter 10: On the Relationship between Liberalism and Darwinism Chapter 11: Volitional Consciousness and Evolution: At the Foundations of Classical Liberalism Chapter 12: Evolution and Classical Liberalism Chapter 13: An Historical Afterward Contributors Bibliography Index
