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Michael Ruse

19quotes

Michael Ruse: A Life of Philosophy and Science


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Michael Nelson Winch Ruse is a British philosopher known for his work in the fields of evolutionary ethics, the philosophy of biology, and the history and philosophy of science.

Birth and Death Dates


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Born on June 19, 1940, in Toronto, Canada, Michael Ruse has had a long and distinguished career spanning over five decades. Despite not being deceased, his contributions to the field continue to shape the way we think about ethics, biology, and science.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Michael Ruse holds British nationality and is a professor emeritus at Florida State University's Department of Philosophy. He has also held positions at various institutions, including the University of Guelph, Queen's University, and the London School of Economics.

Early Life and Background


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Growing up in Toronto, Canada, Michael Ruse developed an interest in philosophy and science from a young age. His early exposure to the works of Charles Darwin and other influential thinkers laid the foundation for his future career. Ruse received his education at the University of Toronto, where he earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy.

Major Accomplishments


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Michael Ruse's work has been characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from philosophy, biology, and history to explore complex issues. Some of his notable accomplishments include:

Evolutionary Ethics: Ruse is best known for his book "Taking Darwin Seriously: A Short Guide to His Theory of Evolution" (1986), which explores the implications of evolutionary theory on ethics.
Philosophy of Biology: He has written extensively on the philosophy of biology, including topics such as species concepts and the nature of biological classification.
History and Philosophy of Science: Ruse's work in this area has focused on the historical development of scientific thought, particularly in relation to evolutionary theory.

Notable Works or Actions


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Some notable works by Michael Ruse include:

"The Philosophy of Biology" (1973)
"Sociobiology: Its Implications for Social Policy and Practical Action" (1979)
"Homage to Calvin: Essays in the History and Philosophy of Biology" (1996)

Impact and Legacy


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Michael Ruse's contributions to philosophy, biology, and science have been significant. His work has:

Influenced Interdisciplinary Research: By combining insights from multiple fields, Ruse has encouraged interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
Shaped the Study of Evolutionary Ethics: His exploration of evolutionary ethics has led to a deeper understanding of the implications of evolution on moral principles.
Inspired Future Generations: As a respected scholar and educator, Ruse has mentored numerous students and inspired new generations of philosophers, biologists, and scientists.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Michael Ruse is widely quoted and remembered due to his:

Innovative Approach: His interdisciplinary approach to philosophy and science has led to groundbreaking insights and a deeper understanding of complex issues.
Accessible Writing Style: Ruse's writing is characterized by its clarity, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.
Significant Contributions: Throughout his career, Ruse has made lasting contributions to the fields of evolutionary ethics, philosophy of biology, and history and philosophy of science.

Quotes by Michael Ruse

We who cherish science should be careful to distinguish when we are doing science and when we are extrapolating from it.
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We who cherish science should be careful to distinguish when we are doing science and when we are extrapolating from it.
The evolution debate has exposed a fundamental divide in our society,
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The evolution debate has exposed a fundamental divide in our society,
Evolution is a religion. This was true of evolution in the beginning, and it is true of evolution still today.
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Evolution is a religion. This was true of evolution in the beginning, and it is true of evolution still today.
Morality is a biological adaptation no less than are hands and feet and teeth . . . Considered as a rationally justifiable set of claims about an objective something, [ethics] is illusory. I appreciate that when somebody says, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself,' they think they are referring above and beyond themselves . . . Nevertheless, . . . such reference is truly without foundation. Morality is just an aid to survival and reproduction, and any deeper meaning is illusory . . .
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Morality is a biological adaptation no less than are hands and feet and teeth . . . Considered as a rationally justifiable set of claims about an objective something, [ethics] is illusory. I appreciate that when somebody says, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself,' they think they are referring above and beyond themselves . . . Nevertheless, . . . such reference is truly without foundation. Morality is just an aid to survival and reproduction, and any deeper meaning is illusory . . .
Evolution is promoted by its practitioners as more than mere science. Evolution is promulgated as an ideology, a secular religion - a full-fledged alternative to Christianity, with meaning and morality. I am an ardent evolutionist and an ex-Christian, but I must admit that in this one complaint - ...and Mr. Gish is but one of many to make it - the literalists are absolutely right. Evolution is a religion. This was true of evolution in the beginning, and it is true of evolution today.
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Evolution is promoted by its practitioners as more than mere science. Evolution is promulgated as an ideology, a secular religion - a full-fledged alternative to Christianity, with meaning and morality. I am an ardent evolutionist and an ex-Christian, but I must admit that in this one complaint - ...and Mr. Gish is but one of many to make it - the literalists are absolutely right. Evolution is a religion. This was true of evolution in the beginning, and it is true of evolution today.
...I really want to believe. I find the goodies offered by Christianity extremely attractive. But I am damned (again!) if I am going to sell my evolutionary birthright for a mess of religious pottage.
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...I really want to believe. I find the goodies offered by Christianity extremely attractive. But I am damned (again!) if I am going to sell my evolutionary birthright for a mess of religious pottage.
Their [the new atheists] treatment of the religious viewpoint is pathetic to the point of non-being. Richard Dawkins in The God Delusion would fail any introductory philosophy or religion course. Proudly he criticizes that whereof he knows nothing.
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Their [the new atheists] treatment of the religious viewpoint is pathetic to the point of non-being. Richard Dawkins in The God Delusion would fail any introductory philosophy or religion course. Proudly he criticizes that whereof he knows nothing.
We who cherish science should be careful to distinguish when we are doing science and when we are extrapolating from it
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We who cherish science should be careful to distinguish when we are doing science and when we are extrapolating from it
In particular, I argue that in both evolution and creation we have rival religious responses to a crisis of faith-rival stories of origins, rival judgments about he meaning of human life, rival sets of moral dictates, and above all what theologians call rival eschatologies-pictures of the future and of what lies ahead for humankind.
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In particular, I argue that in both evolution and creation we have rival religious responses to a crisis of faith-rival stories of origins, rival judgments about he meaning of human life, rival sets of moral dictates, and above all what theologians call rival eschatologies-pictures of the future and of what lies ahead for humankind.
The God Delusion makes me embarrassed to be an atheist, and the McGraths show why.
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The God Delusion makes me embarrassed to be an atheist, and the McGraths show why.
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