Argues that evolutionary theory, successful as it is in explaining the development of living things, cannot give a satisfactory account of such distinctive facets of human life as self-consciousness, the quest for knowledge, moral sense, and the appreciation of beauty; in these we transcend our biological origins.
1. Mind and Nature; 2. Immanent and Transcendent Dimensions of Reason; 3. Self-Conscious Belief; 4. Evolutionary Epistemology; 5. Evolution and Epistemological Pessimism; 6. Morality and Politics; 7. Beauty and the Theory of Evolution; 8. Conclusions; Bibliography; Index
"O'Hear's wide-ranging discussion clearly characterizes current struggles within the discipline of philosophy and provides, if not a compromise, a resolution to the most central debates. Highly recommended."--Choice