Michael Ruse Evolution and Ecology

Contributed major ideas about the philosophy of biology and Darwinism

The Story

Ruse received his BA from the University of Bristol, England in 1962 his MA from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario 1964 and his PhD at the University of Bristol in 1970. He is known for his numerous books on the philosophy of biology, particularly on Darwin’s theory of evolution, including Molecules to Men 1990; The Darwinian Paradigm 1989; Taking Darwin Seriously 1986, also issued in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish; and Is Science Sexist? 1981. He has tried to define the difference between science and pseudo-science. Ruse was called to testify as an expert witness in the celebrated “creationism trial” in Arkansas in the 1980s in which a federal judge ultimately ruled that a law requiring the teaching of biblical creation in high school was unconstitutional. Ruse’s testimony was probably an important factor in the judge’s decision on a definition of science.

Sources: Canadian Who’s Who 1993

 

Career ideas:

  • Government paleontologist
  • University professor
  • Laboratory scientist
  • Chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and pulp/paper industries staff scientist
  • Petroleum/mining consultant
  • Private consulting scientist

The Person

Birthdate
June 21, 1940
Birthplace
Birmingham, England
Title
Professor, Departments of Philosophy and Zoology
Office
University of Guelph, Ontario
Status
Working
Last Updated
September 16, 2015
Popularity
37683

Profile viewed 37683 times

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