Scientists act within a social context and from a philosophical perspective that is inherently political. Whether they realize it or not, scientists always choose sides. The Dialectical Biologist explores this political nature of scientific inquiry, advancing its argument within the framework of Marxist dialectic. These essays stress the concepts of continual change and co-determination between organism and environment, part and whole, structure and process, science and politics. Throughout, this book questions our accepted definitions and biases, showing the self-reflective nature of scientific activity within society.

Richard Levins is John Rock Professor of Population Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health.

Richard Lewontin is Alexander Agassiz Research Professor at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University. His many books include Biology and Ideology, Not in Our Genes, and Human Diversity.

Read More by Richard Levins:

• Qualitative Modeling of Complex Systems: An Introduction to Loop Analysis and Time Averaging

Read More by Richard Lewontin:

• The Triple Helix: Gene, Organism, and Environment