Evolution and Ethics
Thomas Henry Huxley

Edited and with a new introduction by Michael Ruse

Paper | 2009 | $16.95 / £11.95
Cloth | 2009 | $39.50 / £27.95
176 pp. | 4 1/2 x 7

Shopping Cart | Reviews | Table of Contents

Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895) was one of the most prominent evolutionists of the late nineteenth century. A close companion of Charles Darwin, Huxley developed a reputation as "Darwin's Bulldog" for his relentless defense of evolutionary theory. Huxley was also an ardent supporter of social reform, particularly in his call for quality education at all levels. Evolution and Ethics, widely considered to be his greatest lecture, distilled a lifetime's wisdom and sensitive understanding of the nature and needs of humankind. Arguing that the human psyche is at war with itself, that humans are alienated in the cosmos, and that moral societies are necessarily in conflict with the natural conditions of their existence, Huxley nevertheless saw moral dictates as the key to future human happiness and success. This new edition features an introduction by renowned historian and philosopher of biology Michael Ruse, placing Huxley's lecture in its original context while showing its even deeper relevance for our own time.

Michael Ruse is the Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy at Florida State University. His many books include Darwinism and Its Discontents and Darwin and Design.

Reviews:

Praise for Princeton's previous edition: "For Huxley, natural selection is not to be deemed a mixed blessing; rather, it is a damnable mix."--Arthur Falk, Humanist

Praise for Princeton's previous edition: "Reading Huxley's text again is a pleasure and a double reminder . . . that we're no closer than the Victorians to a comfortable understanding of our place in nature . . . [and] that Huxley . . . could contextualize [his] thinking . . . with respect to a vast array of cultural and intellectual traditions [he] knew and respected. Few today could do that as Huxley does."--Archie Mancato, Nineteenth-Century Contexts

Praise for Princeton's previous edition: "Describing the struggle for existence in nature, Darwin tells us that 'we may console ourselves with the full belief . . . that the vigorous, the healthy, and the happy survive and multiply.' Thomas Henry Huxley presents a more pessimistic interpretation."--Allan Larson, TREE

Table of Contents:

Introduction vii
Acknowledgments xxxvii
A Note about the Text xxxix
Evolution and Ethics
Prolegomena to Evolution and Ethics 1
Evolution and Ethics 46
Notes 87
Editor's Notes 117
Further Reading 121
Index 125

Another Princeton book by Michael Ruse:

• Philosophy after Darwin: Classic and Contemporary Readings.

Another Princeton book by Michael Ruse:

• Philosophy after Darwin: Classic and Contemporary Readings.

Subject Areas:

• Philosophy
• Biological Sciences
• History of Science and Medicine, Philosophy of Science

Shopping Cart:

For customers in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Australia
Paper: $16.95 ISBN13: 978-0-691-14130-5
Cloth: $39.50 ISBN13: 978-0-691-14192-3

For customers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India
Paper: £11.95 ISBN13: 978-0-691-14130-5
Cloth: £27.95 ISBN13: 978-0-691-14192-3

Prices subject to change without notice

File created: 11/4/2009

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