The paradox of evolution : the strange relationship between natural selection and reproduction / Stephen Rothman.

  • Rothman, S. S. (Stephen S.)
Date:
2015
  • Books

About this work

Publication/Creation

Amherst, New York : Prometheus Books, 2015.

Physical description

248 pages ; 23 cm

Bibliographic information

Includes bibliographical references (pages 221-226) and index.

Contents

Two mysteries -- a story of nature and science -- A most extraordinary theory -- the remarkable impact of a scientific theory on society -- A look inside Darwin's theory -- is the theory of evolution by means of natural selection internally consistent? -- The meaning of natural selection -- defining natural selection -- One for all did natural selection produce the mechanisms of reproduction? -- The other beginning -- the reproduction of cells -- Reproduction beyond replicating molecules and reproducing cells- -- Natural selection and the evolution of the reproductive mechanisms of life -- Iridescent brilliance -- Darwin worries about peacocks and finds sexual selection -- On the importance of small differences-the basis for sexual attraction -- In the eyes of the beholder -- utility vs. beauty in sexual attraction -- The great contradiction -- teleology rears its ugly head -- Purpose-teleology cannot be denied -- Darwin's teleology of survival -- the scientific basis for purpose in life -- The laws of nature-purpose from physical law -- The purposes of reproduction-why reproduction? -- The means-the agency of reproductive selection -- The final cause of reproduction -- what causes reproductive evolution? -- "For the sake of which...".

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatus
    History of Medicine
    AOS /ROT
    Open shelves

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Identifiers

ISBN

  • 9781633880726 (paperbook)
  • 1633880729 (paperbook)