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Lexington Books Darwinian Evolution and Classical Liberalism Theories in Tension 2015 Edition by Stephen C. Dilley, Logan Paul Gage, Bruce L. Gordon
Darwinian Evolution and Classical Liberalism canvasses an array of thinkers from the past to the present as it examines fundamental political, philosophical, ethical, economic, anthropological, and scientific aspects of the ferment between Darwinian biology and classical liberalism. Early chapters focus on classical thinkers like John Locke and Adam Smith, while later chapters provide analyses of present-day classical liberals, focusing especially on F.A. Hayek, Thomas Sowell, and Larry Arnhart, the most prominent advocates of 'contemporary' classical liberalism. Thematically, the volume falls into three parts. Part I examines foundational matters, arguing that Darwinism and classical liberalism hold incompatible visions of morality, human nature, and individual autonomy. This section also contends that the free market's spontaneous order is fully compatible with a teleological (or non-Darwinian) view of the universe. Part II turns to contemporary applications, contending that Darwinism and classical liberalism are at odds in their views of (or implications about) limited government, vital religion, economic freedom, and the traditional family. This section also argues that, since its inception, Darwinism has attenuated core tenets and values of classical liberalism and Western civilization. Part III of the volume contains alternative views to those in the first two parts, adding critical diversity to the book. Respectively, these chapters hold that Darwinian evolution simply has little to say about classical liberalism; an evolutionary account of human volition is fully compatible with the individual choice presupposed in classical liberalism; and evolutionary naturalism, unlike religious alternatives, provides a strong foundation for freedom, morality, and the traditional family. Table of contents :- DedicationAcknowledgmentsChapter 1: Pax vel Bellum?: Evolutionary Biology and Classical Liberalism: An Introduction to the VolumePart 1: Foundations: Morality and Mind, Human Nature and Nature's OrderChapter 2: Is Darwinism Compatible with Classical Liberalism's View of Morality? Chapter 3: Locke, Darwin, and America's FutureChapter 4: On Invisible Hands and Intelligent Design: Must Classical Liberals also Embrace Darwinian Theory?Chapter 5: Darwinian Conservatism and Free WillPart 2: Applications: God and Country, Family and LegacyChapter 6: Darwinism, Economic Liberty, and Limited GovernmentChapter 7: Darwin Knows Best: Can Evolution Support the Classical Liberal Vision of the Family?Chapter 8: Losing Our Religion: Darwinism, Secularism, and the Decline of the WestChapter 9: A History of the Impact of Darwinism on Natural Rights and BioethicsPart 3: Alternative PerspectivesChapter 10: On the Relationship between Liberalism and DarwinismChapter 11: Volitional Consciousness and Evolution: At the Foundations of Classical LiberalismChapter 12: Evolution and Classical LiberalismChapter 13: An Historical AfterwardContributorsBibliographyIndex