Description
Book SynopsisScientists act within a social context and from a philosophical perspective that is inherently political. Whether they realize it or not, scientists always choose sides. This book explores the political nature of scientific inquiry, advancing its argument within the framework of Marxist dialectic.
Trade ReviewThe book successfully achieves the authors’ goal of demonstrating by example the power and nature of the dialectical method. Its usefulness, however, extends well beyond this. The articles are intellectually challenging in content as well as method. And by collecting in one place articles on evolution, scientific analysis and the social dimensions of science—the book’s three major divisions—the authors have provided a valuable tool for exploring the complexity and richness of biology…
The Dialectical Biologist is certain to be controversial… This book is a rich source of understanding, and it will undoubtedly stimulate important discussion. * New York Times Book Review *
This important and controversial book will be hotly discussed by biologists. * Library Journal *
An extremely readable and very provocative book. * New Scientist *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. On Evolution Evolution as Theory and Ideology Adaptation The Organism as the Subject and Object of Evolution 2. On Analysis The Analysis of Variance and the Analysis of Causes Isidore Nabi on the Tendencies of Motion Dialectics and Reductionism in Ecology 3. Science as a Social Product and the Social Product of Science The Problem of Lysenkoism The Commoditizatjon of Science The Political Economy of Agricultural Research Applied Biology in the Third World The Pesticide System Research Needs for Latin Community Health What Is Human Nature? Conclusion: Dialectics Bibliography Index
