Michael Ruse on Evolution, Human Exceptionalism, and Philosophy of Biology

Michael Ruse on Evolution, Human Exceptionalism, and Philosophy of Biology

From Closer To Truth by Closer To Truth

June 17, 2026 · 1h 11m · Episode 250

About this episode

Michael Ruse discusses the implications of evolution on human nature and value, exploring themes from his book on the philosophy of biology.

What does evolution imply about human nature and human value? In this conversation, Michael Ruse explores the philosophy of biology, the mechanistic view of life, human exceptionalism, and the relationship between evolution and meaning. Discussing themes from his book A Philosopher Looks at Human Beings, Ruse examines whether the world is best understood as an organism or a machine, how Darwin transformed our understanding of humanity, and whether values can exist within a mechanistic picture of nature. Michael Ruse was a philosopher of science specializing in the philosophy of biology, evolution, science and religion, and the creation–evolution controversy. He taught at Florida State University. Subscribe to Closer To Truth: https://www.youtube.com/@CloserToTruthTV Join the Community: Membership (5,000+ videos): https://closertotruth.com/register/ Audio Podcast: https://closertotruth.podbean.com Support the Show: https://closertotruth.com/donate/ Official Merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/closertotruth/ Follow Us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CloserToTruthTV/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertotruth/ X: https://x.com/CloserToTruth

People in this episode

Host: Closer To Truth

Guest: Michael Ruse

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Florida State University

Books & works: A Philosopher Looks at Human Beings

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