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Background
John Dupre was born in 1952 in the UK. This is where he went to university, until studying in the U.S. for two years as well. He is a Philosopher of Science who got his PhD in Biology. -
The Disorder of Things
In Dupre's book, The Disorder of Things: Metaphysical Foundations of the Disunity of Science, he explains that the way we see science isn't necessarily how we "do" science. He states that the idea of essentialism of science is not consistent with the actual procedures of science. This is significant because he is directly defying essentialists such as Plato. (Picture from: https://sociology.exeter.ac.uk/staff/dupre/ ) -
Human Nature and the Limits of Science
In this book, Dupre shows the effect of human nature on the idea of Evolutionary Psychology. He explains that only a pluralistic view can truly help humans see human nature and its' effects. He also brings up human autonomy and governing of oneself. This is an important factor in science because people have to want to study it, they have to have integrity and interest in telling/bringing about the truth. Source: Dupré, John. Human Nature and the Limits of Science. Nov. 2001, https://doi.org -
Darwin's Legacy
In Darwin's Legacy: What Evolution Means Today, Dupre argues that the foundation of Evolution is real, even if there are a few particular ideas people question within it. In this book, he puts aside religion, race and other topics to show what the Theory of Evolution is actually showing us. While he doesn't negate religion, he sort of sets it aside which can be helpful to separate from certain viewpoints and biases.
(A long video, but I went to 2:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FRymm8Ksko -
Processes of Life
In his Processes of Life: Essays in the Philosophy of Biology, he lightly argues against the other views of life involving living organisms. He then gives a new perspective and suggests new ideas on biological processes. Source: Dupré, John, and Robert A. Wilson. “Review of Processes of Life: Essays in the Philosophy of Biology.” Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews, Sept. 2012, ndpr.nd.edu/reviews/processes-of-life-essays-in-the-philosophy-of-biology/. Accessed 09 January 2024. -
Sex, Gender and Essence
In A Postgenomic Perspective on Sex and Gender, he states that "Gender is the central concept of a thriving and diverse area of philosophy" (Dupre). He goes on to explain the difference between sex and gender, and how gender roles are a social construct. He also points out that other cultures' often think of these topics much differently than ours. Dupré, John. “A Postgenomic Perspective on Sex and Gender.” Cambridge University Press, edited by David Livingstone Smith Accessed 11 January 2024