Refiguring Life: Metaphors of Twentieth-Century Biology

by Evelyn Fox Keller

Book Overview

In these three essays, feminist historian and philosopher of science Evelyn Fox Keller explores the interplay of machines and metaphors in modern scientific inquiry. She looks at the discourse of the contemporary life sciences, the metaphors which allow scientific work to proceed. As powerfully as the physical technology of modern science, these metaphors define the paths along which research can proceed.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0231102046
• ISBN13: 9780231102049
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 134 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

A clear jewel in the sea of postmodern confusion

This book is sheer brilliance. The fact that it is taken from lectures may be the reason behind its clear and unpretentious language. But while clear and unpretentious, Professor Keller's reflections shows philosophy, or for that matter academics, in its simplest yet most currently significant form: rather than bombarded with theoretical jargon (read nonsense if you wish), the reader is presented with a history of a specific knowledge (the biologist's explanation of "life" in the early and mid 20th. century). The preface serves as an outline of how to read this book, and, when effective, sets the context for reading any similar epistemological analysis. Unlike many other "postmodern" philosophical works, this book fits beautifully in the context it sets. It is multi-dimensional - feminists, philosophers, biologists, and others will benefit from incisive commentary which is extremely pertinent to their field. As a work which is set (and sets itself) in the context of epistemological relativism, it has one drawback: within the next few years, I expect its relevance to shift, from work of contemporary genius and immediate relevance to harbinger of new epistomological foundations. Still, it is refreshing to read a work of genius by a living person; if you have not realized this yet, I recommend you take a few days to read this book and be enlightened . . .