The Gaia Hypothesis: Science on a Pagan Planet by Michael Ruse
a complete analysis, with warm insights and critical perspectives
Ruse offers a comprehensive description of the Gaia Hypothesis, the evolution of relevant scientific and philosophical thinking, and the background and affiliations of the major players, in particular James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis. As Ruse examines the movements of mechanism, organicism, hylozoism and others, his authorship of many books on the philosophy of science, especially biology, facilitates drawing more broadly from other topics as they relate to the Gaia Hypothesis. His specific descriptions of the "dramatis personae" are warm and insightful. It sets up the tension between the neo-Darwinists and the holists, and Ruse does not pull any punches in his analysis of these people and their interactions. Although I was aware of the different movements in scientific thinking and the tensions that can exist, Ruse certainly opened my eyes to the level of these tensions, their impact on progress, especially in biology, and the interplay between factions across recent decades and centuries before that. An extra benefit of Ruse's considerable authorship on topics relating to philosophy and science is the set of pertinent and comprehensive references and a useful index.
While this is not a long book, some of the explanations about the history of scientific thinking can become esoteric but, in fairness, Ruse succeeds in ensuring his analysis is complete and fair. His dry humour is welcome and his long tenure in philosophical studies facilitates his familiarity with the demigods of science. The value of the Gaia hypothesis lies with definitions and the utility of metaphor in launching and reviewing scientific investigations. My better understanding of the hypothesis, and of the thinking of the likes of Dawkins in particular, is a worthwhile outcome from reading this book. What is more, following Ruse's careful analysis will help the reader examine similar issues in science and society. This reflects the careful organisation of the book and the clarity of exposition. It is only on the penultimate page that Ruse hints to the reader as to his own conclusion regarding the hypothesis, and it is worth waiting for.