TAKING DARWIN SERIOUSLY: A Naturalistic Approach to Philosophy

by Michael Ruse ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 3, 1986

A Canadian philospher-historian marshals evidence to demonstrate that reasoning ability as well as an instinctive ethical sense has been developed in humans through natural selection (e.g., evolution). In developing a theory of knowledge based on Darwinian principles, Ruse cites broad cultural studies which reveal that all humans think along basic mathematical lines, have a similar sense of logic, and that all human children learn mathematics and logical reasoning in the same way and at the same pace. He also points to recent experiments that reveal that the higher apes are able to solve rudimentary mathematical problems and reason analytically which, he says, indicates that these abilities go back to our proto-human ancestors. Although Ruse contends that evolution merely produces ""survival of the fittest"" and is not concerned with ""progression"" to so called ""higher forms,"" knowledge is evolving from prior discoveries toward a definite goal: namely, understanding of universal laws of nature. Ruse's evidence for his contention that humans possess an instinctive sense of ethics developed through evolution is also based on anthropological data and on studies of higher apes. It has been found, he says, that people from all cultures are willing to make sacrifices for other family members as well as for children. As social creatures, humans also have distinct tendencies to help non-family members of their community and or nation. This instinct for mutual assistance probably evolved, says Ruse, because it enhanced the likelihood of survival for individual members. Higher apes--particularly older females--have been observed helping unrelated young mothers with cld-rearing problems which, says Ruse, indicates altruism is not unique to the human species. Ruse was inspired to develop a philosophy based on Darwinism as a response to Creationists who contend that, by taking God out of the equation, the theory of evolution reduces humans to the level of beasts and strips us of any moral imperative to act ethically. In developing his argument, Ruse tests its claims against those of traditional philosophical systems (most notably those of Hume, Kant, Mill and Spencer) and of modern sociobiologists. This leads to considerable wordiness along with many unanswered questions--which Ruse assumes will be tackled by other Darwinists. In sum: dense to the point of tediousness, but thought-provoking nevertheless.

Pub Date: June 3, 1986

ISBN: 1573922420

Page Count: -

Publisher: Basil Blackwell

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION