Overview

Rapid advances in the life sciences, especially molecular biology and neuroscience, combined with research in ethnology and related areas are altering our understanding of human nature and behaviour. They also raise challenging social and political issues that necessitate a re-evaluation of existing social values and structures. However despite the vast implications of this new knowledge of the biological foundations of human behaviour, mainstream political science has largely dismissed and, in some cases, overtly rejected the relevance of biology for political behaviour and institutions. This book redresses the balance. It demonstrates the increasing convergence of interest of some social scientists in the theories, research and findings of the life sciences in building a more interdisciplinary approach to the study of politics. It discusses the development of biopolitics as an academic perspective within political science, reviews the growing literature in biopolitics, and presents a coherent view of biopolitics as a framework for structuring inquiry across the current subfields of political science. Biology and Political Science argues for a shift in the prevailing environmental paradigm - which ignores biology and assumes the empty organism - to an interactive paradigm that provides a balance between biology and culture. It calls for a more human-centred political science that appreciates the contributions of evolutionary theory, ethology, neurobiology and molecular biology in the study of political behaviour and political institutions. The authors believe that this shift in paradigm and methodology will return political science to it roots and encourage a more inclusive. interdisciplinary study of politics. This book will be a valuable new perspective for all those working in political science, social sciences, life sciences, and the history of science.

Full Product Details

Author:   Robert Blank ,  Samuel M. Hines Jnr.
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Volume:   No.4
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.520kg
ISBN:  

9780415204361

ISBN 10:   0415204364
Pages:   192
Publication Date:   26 July 2001
Audience:   College/higher education ,  General/trade ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

1. Biology and Politics 2. Biopolitical Theory 3. Comparative Politics, World Politics and International Relations in Biopolitical Perspective 4. Methodological Issues in Biopolitics 5. Biology and Behaviour 6. Biopolicy I: Decision Making and Societal Issues 7. Biopolicy II: Ecology and Environmental Issues at the Global Level 8. Toward a Human-Centred Political Science

Reviews

The authors make a strong case for biopolitics. They do an excellent job surveying the field and its accomplishments. They offer a sophisticated discussion of methodological issues, including reductionism and determinism. The book is well written and organized. It should be welcomed by political scientists and others. <br>-Political Theory, Dec 2002 <br>

Author Information

Robert Blank, Samuel M. Hines Jnr.

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