Ep 6. What is Philosophy of Biology?

What is Philosophy of Biology? explores the intersection between philosophy and the study of life. Host Robert Lawrence Kuhn leads a fascinating discussion with experts in the field who share their perspectives on some of the most profound philosophical questions regarding the nature of biology and its role in our understanding of the world around us. The episode features three leading practitioners of philosophy of biology: Elliott Sober, Sahotra Sarkar, and Kim Sterelny.

The episode kicks off with a broad and ambitious question, "What is philosophy of biology?" In response, Elliott Sober, a professor of philosophy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, offers a concise definition: philosophy of biology is the philosophical study of the life sciences. Sober goes on to explain how philosophy of biology tackles big-picture questions about the nature of living things, emphasizing that it is concerned not only with practical matters of biology, but also with philosophical problems arising from the study of life.

Continuing the conversation, Kim Sterelny, a professor of philosophy at the Australian National University, addresses a fundamental question: what sets biology apart from other scientific disciplines? Sterelny argues that while all sciences seek to understand reality, biology has a unique focus on living things and how they interact with the world. Among the areas of inquiry in philosophy of biology are evolution, ecology, and genetics, but the discipline also addresses questions about the nature of life itself, the concept of species, and the relationship between physics and biology.

The discussion then turns to Sahotra Sarkar, a professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin, who explores how philosophy of biology is connected to other areas of philosophy, such as ethics, aesthetics, and metaphysics. According to Sarkar, philosophy of biology is not only informed by other branches of philosophy, but also helps to shed light on these areas by providing new insights into the nature of living things and the dynamics of the natural world.

Despite the variety of topics covered in this episode, the conversation remains accessible and engaging throughout. The guests are articulate and insightful, and their passion for their work shines through. One of the strengths of the episode is the way that the different perspectives and approaches of the guests complement each other, creating a well-rounded picture of the philosophy of biology.

Overall, What is Philosophy of Biology? is an excellent introduction to this fascinating field of study, and a great primer for anyone interested in exploring the deeper questions arising from the study of life. The episode provides an engaging survey of the main topics in philosophy of biology, and offers a glimpse into the way that philosophy can help us to make sense of the natural world. Whether you're a biologist, a philosopher, or simply someone curious about the world around us, this episode is well worth a watch.