The Ontogeny of Information: Developmental Systems and Evolution

By Susan Oyama

Book Overview

In The Ontogeny of Information, Susan Oyama draws on psychology, biology, and anthropology, as well as philosophy and history, to explore the many facets of the nature-nurture debate. Our deepest beliefs about what is natural, inevitable and unchangeable, what is normal and good, are affected by our concept of biological nature. Because the non-academic world also continues to frame important questions in terms of genetic necessity and cultural overlay, this distinction between nature and culture has serious implications for the conduct of private lives and for the making of public policy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521312574
• ISBN13: 9780521312578
• Release Date: April 1986
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Great Book

Sorry that my review is so small. This is a great book about the dichotomy of genes and environment and how there is no real line dividing the 2. It speaks of some of the misconceptions that way of thinking produces. It also discusses some of the common metaphors that have been used in the past relating genes to "blue prints" and the such and how these metaphors should be gotton rid of. The ingredients that go into an oransism and inheritance are many which includes genes, atmosphere, culture, and many more that she discuses. All are important in the construction of an organism and none are more important then any other. She also discuses the silliness of the nature nurture debate. I think this book and way of thinking is very important for science, social sciences and just the everyday [mis]conceptions most people in the western world have of the dualism of genetics and environment.