Biology and Feminism: A Philosophical Introduction

Description

This book provides a unique introduction to the study of relationships between gender and biology, a core part of the feminist science research tradition which emerged nearly half a century ago. Lynn Hankinson Nelson presents an accessible and balanced discussion of research questions, background assumptions, methods, and hypotheses about biology and gender with which feminist scientists and science scholars critically and constructively engage. Writing from the perspective of contemporary philosophy of science, she examines the evidence for and ethical implications of biological hypotheses about gender, and discusses relevant philosophical issues including understandings of scientific objectivity, the nature of scientific reasoning, and relationships between biological research and the scientific and social contexts in which it is pursued. Clear and comprehensive, this volume addresses the engagements of feminist scientists and science scholars with a range of disciplines, including developmental and evolutionary biology, medicine, neurobiology, and primatology.

Lynn Hankinson Nelson is Professor Emerita of Philosophy at the University of Washington. She has published Who Knows (1990) and numerous articles on feminist science scholarship. She is co-author of On Quine (1999), and is co-editor of Feminism, Science, and the Philosophy of Science (1997) and of a special issue of Hypatia on Feminist Science Studies (2004).

'The book is written and structured in a way that makes it accessible to both students and researchers looking to familiarize themselves with the philosophy and history of feminist engagement with biology. It is also a great read for any feminist scientists, philosophers of science, or science studies scholars who, although maybe familiar with this area of study, are nonetheless looking for an engaging refresher.' Sara Weaver, History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences '... offers an important outline of key philosophical issues threading through biology's concerns with gender, as well as feminist critiques.' Lynda Birke, A Journal of Feminist Philosophy 'This text is suitable for classroom use because it gives a clear demonstration of the methods of philosophy of science, providing organized coverage of fundamental topics while vividly showing that legitimate critiques of logical reasoning in science are informed by social and political understanding.' Evelyn Brister, Metascience