Life Unveiled: Exploring the Philosophical Foundations of Biology WF-FI-123-WMAN-WA24
This course will explore the rich philosophical dimensions of biology through an in-depth analysis of both historical and contemporary case studies. Students will critically engage with primary source material from leading philosophers and biologists to explore how philosophical frameworks have shaped biological concepts, and how biology in turn reflects and influences broader societal and ideological structures.
The course will cover a range of key topics, including the harmony of nature, natural theology, species classification, biological methodology and the development of systems theory. Through these discussions, students will not only grasp the historical roots of contemporary philosophical problems related to the philosophy of biology, but also connect these issues to modern debates in philosophy and the natural sciences.
By the end of the course students will:
1. Be familiar with key issues in the philosophy of biology and be able to relate these to contemporary philosophical debates.
2. Have a thorough understanding of the historical development of the natural sciences and the philosophical connotations that have shaped their development.
3. Be able to contextualise current problems in the philosophy of biology within their broader historical and intellectual framework.
Problem solving, open discussion and critical analysis of source texts will be the primary learning methods in this course. Through these methods, students will develop their ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and engage thoughtfully with complex interdisciplinary issues at the intersection of biology and philosophy.
(in Polish) E-Learning
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
ECTS [1 ECTS = 30 (25) hours]:
- participation in the lecture: 30 hrs.
- preparation to pass: 60 hours
-preparation for lectures, reading texts: 60 hours.
-consultations - 0-30 hours
Total of hours (on average): 180 [180/30 (25) = 6]
Number of ECTS: 6
Assessment criteria
The main method will be problem-solving , discussion and analysis of the source texts.
Knowledge:
- 2 (ndst..): The student does not know the basic terms, concepts, and theories discussed in the course
- 3 (dst.): The student knows the basic terms, concepts, and theories related to biology, but is not able to discuss in detail those issues in their historical context
- 4 (db.): The student identifies the philosophical problems of natural sciences and discusses correctly selected issues in the field of philosophy and history of biology
- 5 (bdb.): The student is well versed in the issues of philosophy of biology, and can connect them with modern philosophical discussions
Skills
- 2 (ndst..): The student is not able to interpret and compare the main problems in the field of philosophy and the history of biology
- 3 (dst.): The student is able to refer to some of the issues related to the philosophy of nature, but cannot connect them with the historical period in which they were formed, or with the thinkers who dealt with those issues
- 4 (db.): The student is able to correctly indicate and explain the historical relations between the problems of the philosophy of nature and the development of biology
- 5 (bdb.): The student is able to critically respond to the discussed issues in the field of philosophy and history of natural sciences, as well as take his own position on specific issues and justify them correctly
Competences:
The student is aware of the historical roots of contemporary philosophical problems related to the philosophy of biology. Students have knowledge of the development of natural sciences and its philosophical connotations.
The method of assessment is an oral exam.
Other details will be provided during classes
Bibliography
Bibliography:
1. J. Gayon, Darwinism’s Struggle for Survival. Heredity and the Hypothesis of Natural Selection. Cambridge University Press, Cambirdge 1998.
2. M. J. Wagner, Interpretacje rozwoju biologii ewolucyjnej na przełomie XIX i XX wieku. Warszawa, Liberi Libr 2020.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: