The Philosophy of Behavioral Biology

Abstract

This volume offers a broad overview of central issues in the philosophy of behavioral biology, addressing philosophical issues that arise from the most recent scientific findings in biological research on behavior. It thus exemplifies an approach to philosophy of science that is scientifically informed as well as interdisciplinary. Accordingly, it includes chapters by professional philosophers and philosophers of science, as well as practicing scientists. The volume originates from the conference, “Biological Explanations of Behavior: Philosophical Perspectives”, held in Hannover, Germany, in June 2008. Participants in this conference represented the fields of behavioral genetics, evolutionary biology, cognitive science, philosophy of biology, philosophy of science, and communication studies. Conference presentations were organized into three main themes: explanations in behavioral genetics, developmental explanations of behavior, and the evolution of behavior. The book largely mirrors this organization, in addition to representing another theme in the philosophy of behavioral biology, namely neurobiological explanations of behavior. In what follows, we sketch out an overview of the book, both by describing some of the major themes and philosophical context, as well as providing detailed summaries of each of the chapters.