The Evolution of Reason: Logic as a Branch of Biology
(Part of the Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Biology Series)
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
The formal systems of logic have ordinarily been regarded as independent of biology, but recent developments in evolutionary theory suggest that biology and logic may be intimately interrelated. In this book, William Cooper outlines a theory of rationality in which logical law emerges as an intrinsic aspect of evolutionary biology. This biological perspective on logic, though at present unorthodox, could change traditional ideas about the reasoning process. Cooper examines the connections between logic and evolutionary biology and illustrates how logical rules are derived directly from evolutionary principles, and therefore have no independent status of their own. Laws of decision theory, utility theory, induction, and deduction are reinterpreted as natural consequences of evolutionary processes. Cooper's connection of logical law to evolutionary theory ultimately results in a unified foundation for an evolutionary science of reason. It will be of interest to professionals and students of philosophy of science, logic, evolutionary theory, and cognitive science.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0521540259
ISBN13:9780521540254
Release Date:November 2003
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Length:238 Pages
Weight:0.78 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 6.8" x 8.5"
Customer Reviews
1 rating
heresy
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Dares to challenge conventional logicocentric theories of reason. There is good information to be gathered here. Very useful information. The author takes aim at the entrenched conventional wisdom which comforts many philosophically-inclined individuals that there is such a thing as a universal logic. That logic somehow gets impressed on physical and biological processes from the outside. This presupposition can be traced back to Plato and Pythagoras. Cooper likens the presupposition that logic comes first to the Ptolemaic view that the Earth comes first. I have seen no egotistical comparison between the author and Copernicus. The basis of this work is that biological processes occur prior to the invention of formal logical systems. THAT doesn't strike me as outrageous. In fact, I don't see any other way for events to have been sequenced. There are other authors whose work supports this presupposition. They can be found amongst the books I have previously reviewed.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
