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Biology as Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA
by: Richard C. Lewontin

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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 574.01
EAN: 9780060975197
ISBN: 0060975199
Label: Harper Perennial
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 144
Publication Date: January 13, 1993
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Release Date: January 13, 1993
Sales Rank: 67765
Studio: Harper Perennial

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Product Description:
Following in the fashion of Stephen Jay Gould and Peter Medawar, one of the world's leading scientists examines how 'pure science' is in fact shaped and guided by social and political needs and assumptions.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating: out of 5 stars

Rating:

- disappointing
This book is a semi-postmodernist criticism of a) biological determinism, and b) the widespread belief that scientists are first and foremost seekers of "truth", rather than furtherers of their own careers. Lewontin takes the argument that there is only so far science can go in explaining humanity, and that one should keep in mind that all scientific claims are convoluted with the power structure from which they arise. I agree with these points, but there's nothing particularly special about them...no serious scientist today would ever suggest that one's personality (let alone all of society) is written in the genetic code, nor dispute that politics often/usually does interfere in the functioning of science as we wish it would be. Lewontin seems to paint scientists with a rather broad brush. Worse, he makes liberal use of the "naturalistic fallacy" (the idea that what is "natural" must be "good" and vice-versa) ... Read More

Rating:

- Science goes after the last sacred cow: itself
This fascinating book turns the harsh critical eye of the scientific method back on the field of science itself, questioning everything you thought you knew about the discipline. Think germs cause disease? Think that evolution works through survival of the fittest? Think that people are constrained by their DNA? Richard Lewontin, the preeminent Harvard biologist, will cause you to think again.

A written-down version of Lewontin's Massey Lectures, the book is eminently readable while carefully hewing to the scientific method. Anyone who loves science will love this book.

Rating:

- Lewontin's Biology overcome by Ideology
Some interesting and original points are made but the factual and interpretational flaws many times outweigh the insights. Lewontin attributes an exaggerated ideological influence on the scientific community (possibly concluding from his own strong political nature). This review reads as a critique of the representative points:
Lewontin writes, "What Darwin did was take early 19th century political economy and expand it to include all of natural economy" (p.10). However, while it is well known that Darwin was impressed by Malthus' reasoning on geometrical increase of populations, this does not imply he adopted or expanded on the social, ethical or executive conclusions of some form of capitalist economy. As Darwin wrote somewhere, "It is not the strongest nor even the most intelligent species that will survive, but those most responsive to change." Perhaps Lewontin feels some resentment as he writes in the same ... Read More

Rating:

- The Doctrine of DNA
Despite some shortcomings, I was thoroughly impressed by this book that I read it two times in a row. I also chose to base a school project on it. I am quite convinced that "Biology as Ideology" might actually have been one of the most important books of the previous century (Yes, I mentioned this in my project). And although it is atypical of me to comment on other people's reviews, some things just warrant correction. Contrary to what one reviewer said, Lewontin never once suggests that "there is no such thing as race" in this book. And although Lewontin has a thing or to two to say about reductionism - - he does not completely resent it. He talks about an ideal view "that sees the entire world neither as an indissoluble whole, or as isolated bits and pieces". It's easy to miss this message because Lewontin does tend to have a propensity for veering off-topic once in a while. I also don't think that it's far-fetched ... Read More

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