Biological Essentialism

Biological Essentialism addresses three main issues: the essences of biological taxa, the essences of biological individuals, and the "realness" of race. It argues that the demands of biological explanation show that the metaphysicians are right and that there is an historical component to the essence, but this component presupposes an intrinsic component. It also argues that there are racial kinds that are "in the realm of the biological" and have partly historical and partly intrinsic underlying essences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Biological Essentialism is a philosophical framework that addresses three fundamental issues related to the nature of biological entities, particularly species. The first issue revolves around the essences or natures of biological taxa, particularly species. Kripke and other metaphysicians argue that these essences are intrinsic, underlying, and likely largely genetic properties. However, the consensus in the philosophy of biology dismisses this view as incompatible with Darwinism and reflecting a lack of understanding of biology. Biological Essentialism contends that the demands of biological explanation support the metaphysicians' position. The positive view held by the consensus is that the essences of taxa are wholly relational, requiring certain histories for their development. Biological Essentialism argues that while there is an historical component to the essence, it presupposes an intrinsic component.

The second issue concerns the essences of biological individuals. Metaphysicians have offered various intuitions about the nature of individuals, often suggesting that an individual is essentially a member of its species. However, philosophers of biology have recently rejected this view unequivocally. Biological Essentialism again appeals to biological explanation to argue for essential membership, emphasizing the partly intrinsic and partly relational nature of an organism's essence.

Finally, the book addresses the contemporary issue of whether race is biologically "real." From the perspective developed earlier, Biological Essentialism argues that there are indeed racial kinds that exist in the realm of the biological. These kinds possess partly historical and partly intrinsic underlying essences.

In conclusion, Biological Essentialism provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of biological entities, particularly species. It challenges traditional views and emphasizes the importance of biological explanation in shaping our understanding of the world. By recognizing the intrinsic and relational components of the essence, Biological Essentialism offers a more nuanced and accurate perspective on the complex issues of biological diversity and evolution.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198840282