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Evolution and Ethics

  • Edited by: and
  • With contributions by:
  • Preface by:
Language: English
Published/Copyright: 2024

About this book

Huxley's classic lecture on evolution, human nature, and the way to true happiness

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 beautiful 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.

Author / Editor information

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

"The reissuing of Evolution and Ethics serves as a timely reminder of Huxley's important contribution to debates about evolution more broadly and his ongoing relevance to disciplines from biology to philosophy to psychology."---Brett Bowden, European Legacy --- "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 --- "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 --- "For Huxley, natural selection is not to be deemed a mixed blessing; rather, it is a damnable mix."---Arthur Falk, Humanist

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Publishing information
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook published on:
June 12, 2024
eBook ISBN:
9780691268293
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
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https://doi.org/10.1515/9780691268293
eBook ISBN: 9780691268293
Audience(s) for this book
For a non-specialist adult audience
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