On Purpose

Description

An accessible history of the idea of purpose in Western thought, from ancient Greece to the present Can we live without the idea of purpose? Should we even try to? Kant thought we were stuck with it, and even Darwin, who profoundly shook the idea, was unable to kill it. Indeed, purpose seems to be making a comeback today, as both religious advoc

Michael Ruse is the Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Program in the History and Philosophy of Science at Florida State University. His many books include Darwinism as Religion, The Philosophy of Human Evolution, and The Darwinian Revolution.

"A deeply intelligent book that treats key thinkers in philosophy, religion and the sciences fairly, humorously and with a virtuosity reflecting more than half a century in the field."-Paul Biegler, Cosmos "[Ruse] revels in the arguments that philosophers, scientists and religious saints have had over 'the big picture' for the past 2,000 years."-John Farrell, Wall Street Journal "Ruse takes readers on a historical and constructive tour through one of the most importunate issues in basic metaphysics: is there any purpose behind the things-the universe, humans, nature, et al.-that are, and, if so, what is its nature and where does it come from?"-Library Journal "On Purpose is a book that represents Ruse at his most wide-ranging and engaging. . . . [He] is akin to the most enthusiastic and entertaining tour guide one could have through an already compelling exhibit at a museum."-Mark E. Borrello, Quarterly Review of Biology