{"title":"Peter Godfrey-Smith","description":"\u003cp\u003ePeter Godfrey-Smith’s works explore the intersection of science, philosophy, and the natural world with clarity and depth. His writing spans topics from evolutionary biology and animal cognition to the philosophical foundations of life, inviting readers to reconsider the complexities of consciousness and the living world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombining rigorous scientific insight with thoughtful reflection, his books engage with questions about how organisms perceive and interact with their environments. Ideal for those intrigued by the philosophy of biology and the science of mind, his collection offers a compelling journey through contemporary scientific thought and its broader implications.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"metazoa","title":"Metazoa","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMetazoa\u003c\/i\u003e by Peter Godfrey-Smith is an enthralling exploration into the mysterious realms of animal consciousness and the evolutionary origins of mind. Building on the groundbreaking insights of his previous work, the acclaimed \u003ci\u003eOther Minds\u003c\/i\u003e, Godfrey-Smith dives even deeper into the oceanic depths and beyond, venturing into the aquatic lives of sea sponges, soft corals, and even flower-like worms. These seemingly alien forms, although appearing more plant-like, share a fascinating connection with us as fellow members of the animal kingdom, the Metazoa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe journey begins beneath the ocean's surface, where life forms evolve in strange and unexpected ways. Godfrey-Smith deftly guides readers through the evolutionary tapestry that began over half a billion years ago, when the first animal bodies appeared—a transformative event that set all life on a new trajectory. Through his compelling narrative, he illustrates how evolutionary innovations, such as eyes that track and bodies capable of moving and manipulating their environments, have shaped the destinies of these creatures and, ultimately, our own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond the confines of marine life, \u003ci\u003eMetazoa\u003c\/i\u003e expands to explore the rich diversity of terrestrial organisms, covering insects, birds, and primates. Each chapter weaves together detailed accounts of species such as the banded shrimp, octopus, and various fish, showing how their evolutionary paths reveal profound insights about the nature of experience and consciousness. This comprehensive examination is a masterful blend of vivid animal encounters, philosophical inquiry, and biological science.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the book's central themes revolves around a crucial philosophical question: what is the origin of consciousness? Godfrey-Smith bridges the often-perceived chasm between mind and matter, providing an illuminating perspective on how our minds cannot be understood in isolation from the evolution of animals themselves. Through this lens, he uncovers the deep-seated connections that unite us with even the most unfamiliar life forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMetazoa\u003c\/i\u003e has been recognised for its significant contributions, having been named a Times and Sunday Times Book of the Year, and honoured as a Waterstones Best Book of 2020. It follows the success of Godfrey-Smith's previously acclaimed work, a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week, \u003ci\u003eOther Minds\u003c\/i\u003e. His expertise as a scuba-diving philosopher enriches the narrative, providing readers with an engaging and insightful journey into the origins of consciousness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMetazoa\u003c\/i\u003e is an indispensable read for anyone intrigued by the wonders of the natural world, the intricate dance of evolution, and the profound questions at the heart of animal and human minds. Combining scientific rigour with accessible storytelling, Peter Godfrey-Smith offers a spellbinding voyage through the life forms that both populate our planet and shape the very essence of our being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45686212755692,"sku":"9780008321239","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780008321239.jpg?v=1725463935"},{"product_id":"other-minds","title":"Other Minds","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eOther Minds\u003c\/i\u003e by Peter Godfrey-Smith delves deeply into the fascinating world of cephalopods, particularly the octopus, to explore what these enigmatic creatures can teach us about intelligence, consciousness, and our own place in the evolutionary tapestry. This extraordinary blend of philosophy, science, and personal adventure takes readers on a journey beneath the waves, where some of the most complex and intriguing forms of life on Earth thrive.\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eOther Minds\u003c\/i\u003e, Godfrey-Smith begins by setting a contemplative stage: What if intelligent life on Earth evolved not once, but twice? He proposes that the octopus represents the closest encounter we might have with intelligent aliens, inhabiting our very own planet. With both philosophical depth and scientific insight, Godfrey-Smith narrates the evolution of the mind from rudimentary beginnings— the erratic clusters of seaborn cells— to the sophisticated nervous systems that emerged in the ancient relatives of jellyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA distinguished philosopher of science and an accomplished scuba diver, Godfrey-Smith uses his unique perspective to trace the cephalopods' incredible evolutionary journey. These creatures began as ordinary molluscs, which later shed their shells and rose above the ocean floor, developing exceptional predatory skills and achieving greater intelligence in an evolutionary path that unfolded independently from that of mammals and birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes cephalopod intelligence astounding, and how did the octopus, often a solitary and antisocial species, become one of the smartest creatures in the ocean? Godfrey-Smith explores these mysteries by examining the unique neural architectures of these creatures. Octopuses possess eight tentacles brimming with neurons, almost thinking autonomously, posing an intriguing question: What is it like to experience life with such a distributed form of intelligence? By investigating these fascinating nuances, Godfrey-Smith draws illuminating parallels between the minds of humans and our most extraordinary underwater relatives, shedding light on the very nature of intelligence and awareness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eOther Minds\u003c\/i\u003e is a brilliant, multifaceted exploration that weaves together cutting-edge marine biology, the philosophy of mind, and personal underwater experiences, offering readers a new understanding of life and the mind's evolutionary journey. This captivating narrative promises to enthrall anyone curious about the natural world and the profound questions of consciousness within it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45686287270124,"sku":"9780008226299","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780008226299.jpg?v=1725465149"},{"product_id":"living-on-earth","title":"Living on Earth","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe captivating finale of Peter Godfrey-Smith’s insightful trilogy, \u003cem\u003eLiving on Earth\u003c\/em\u003e, beautifully builds upon the themes explored in his earlier works, \u003cem\u003eOther Minds\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMetazoa\u003c\/em\u003e. In this enthralling exploration, Godfrey-Smith delves into the intricate relationships between life and the environment on our planet, weaving together an eloquent narrative that examines how life has continuously adapted and influenced Earth's evolving landscapes over billions of years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGodfrey-Smith skilfully navigates the reader through the intricate history of life on Earth, beginning with the pioneering cyanobacteria whose photosynthetic processes released oxygen into the atmosphere, setting the stage for an explosion of diverse life forms. As the planet transformed, so too did life, from algae evolving into ferns and trees to invertebrates giving rise to the complex beings such as dinosaurs, birds, and mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book meticulously traces the journey of an unremarkable mammal line leading to the emergence of humans, highlighting our evolutionary adaptability and the profound impact we have on the environment. Our species, marked by its capacity for language, culture, and technology, stands as both a testament to nature's ingenuity and a formidable force capable of shaping the future of our world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGodfrey-Smith embarks on a global journey, visiting unique ecosystems from the vibrant stromatolite fields to the enchanting realms of Rwandan gorillas and Australian bowerbirds. He revisits coral reefs and octopus habitats, providing thought-provoking insights into the evolution of intelligence and consciousness in these environments. His exploration extends to the ethical challenges posed by our unique capabilities, emphasizing the immense responsibility humans bear as stewards of Earth's intricate systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is a profound reminder that while humans remain a part of Earth's interconnected web of life, we also stand apart with the power to significantly alter our planet's destiny. Godfrey-Smith's narrative serves as both a celebration of life’s diversity and a clarion call for introspection, urging readers to ponder our role within this vast and delicate ecosystem. In a world increasingly shaped by human hands, \u003cem\u003eLiving on Earth\u003c\/em\u003e invites us to acknowledge our interconnectedness with the natural world and to embrace the duty of safeguarding its future. This is essential reading for anyone who seeks to understand the profound ties between life and the Earth and to contemplate the ethical dimensions of our existence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45839081930988,"sku":"9780008321253","price":32.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780008321253.jpg?v=1729463178"},{"product_id":"other-minds-by-peter-godfrey-smith-9780008485153","title":"Other Minds","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat if intelligent life on Earth evolved not once, but twice? The octopus is the closest we will come to meeting an intelligent alien. What can we learn from the encounter?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eOther Minds\u003c\/em\u003e, Peter Godfrey-Smith, a distinguished philosopher of science and a skilled scuba diver, tells a bold new story of how nature became aware of itself – a story that largely occurs in the ocean, where animals first appeared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTracking the mind's fitful development from unruly clumps of seaborne cells to the first evolved nervous systems in ancient relatives of jellyfish, he explores the incredible evolutionary journey of the cephalopods, which began as inconspicuous molluscs who would later abandon their shells to rise above the ocean floor, searching for prey and acquiring the greater intelligence needed to do so – a journey completely independent from the route that mammals and birds would later take.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut what kind of intelligence do cephalopods possess? How did the octopus, a solitary creature with little social life, become so smart? What is it like to have eight tentacles that are so packed with neurons that they virtually ‘think for themselves’? By tracing the question of inner life back to its roots and comparing human beings with our most remarkable animal relatives, Godfrey-Smith casts crucial new light on the octopus mind – and on our own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46502387450092,"sku":"9780008485153","price":21.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/27771433482190.jpg?v=1748613970"},{"product_id":"living-on-earth-by-peter-godfrey-smith-9780008321284","title":"Living on Earth","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe eagerly anticipated conclusion to Peter Godfrey-Smith’s three-part exploration of the origins of intelligence on Earth, which began with the bestselling \u003cem\u003eOther Minds\u003c\/em\u003e in 2018 and continued with \u003cem\u003eMetazoa\u003c\/em\u003e in 2020.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Godfrey-Smith, the scuba-diving philosopher, examined the evolution of sentience in \u003cem\u003eOther Minds\u003c\/em\u003e. In \u003cem\u003eMetazoa\u003c\/em\u003e, he asked how that consciousness shaped and was shaped by animal bodies. Now, in \u003cem\u003eLiving on Earth\u003c\/em\u003e, he takes that line of questioning a step further, asking how life has shaped and been shaped by our planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe visits the largest living stromatolite fields, examples of how cyanobacteria began belching oxygen into the atmosphere as they converted carbon dioxide and water into living matter using the sun's light. The extraordinary increase in oxygen in the atmosphere resulted in an explosion in the diversity of life. And so began a riotous tangle of coevolution between plants and animals, as each changed the environment around them, allowing others to utilise these new ecosystems and thus new species to evolve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom cyanobacteria, through algae onto ferns or trees or grasses, and from protists, through invertebrates and fish through the dinosaurs and onto birds and mammals – our planet has seen an explosion of life forms, all reacting to their environment and all creating new environments that allow other life to evolve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn our own evolutionary line, an initially unremarkable mammal changed in new ways, evolving to come out of the trees to inhabit new savannas and then to inhabit the whole planet. One of the most adaptable species ever found on Earth, and arguably the species causing the most change, humans are still part of this 3.8 billion year history of life forms changing the world around them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eLiving on Earth\u003c\/em\u003e, Godfrey-Smith takes us on a grand tour of the history of life on Earth. He visits Rwandan gorillas and Australian bowerbirds, returns to coral reefs and octopus dens, considers the impact of language and writing, and weighs the responsibilities our unique powers bring with them, as they relate to factory farming, habitat preservation, climate change, and the use of animals in experiments. \u003cem\u003eLiving on Earth\u003c\/em\u003e shows that humans belong to the infinitely complex system that is the Earth, and our minds are products of that system, but we are also an acting force within it. We are creatures of Earth, but we hold Earth's future in our hands. It is a responsibility that we must all understand and accept.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46745238438124,"sku":"9780008321284","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/26132743482190.jpg?v=1755755833"},{"product_id":"theory-and-reality-by-peter-godfrey-smith-9780226618654","title":"Theory and Reality","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow does science work? Does it tell us what the world is “really” like? What makes it different from other ways of understanding the universe?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eTheory and Reality\u003c\/em\u003e, Peter Godfrey-Smith addresses these questions by taking the reader on a grand tour of more than a hundred years of debate about science. The result is a completely accessible introduction to the main themes of the philosophy of science. Examples and asides engage the beginning student, a glossary of terms explains key concepts, and suggestions for further reading are included at the end of each chapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLike no other text in this field, \u003cem\u003eTheory and Reality\u003c\/em\u003e combines a survey of the recent history of the philosophy of science with current key debates that any beginning scholar or critical reader can follow. The second edition is thoroughly updated and expanded by the author with a new chapter on truth, simplicity, and models in science.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47432999895276,"sku":"9780226618654","price":66.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780226618654.jpg?v=1774765847"},{"product_id":"philosophy-of-biology-by-peter-godfrey-smith-9780691174679","title":"Philosophy of Biology","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a concise, comprehensive, and accessible introduction to the philosophy of biology, written by a leading authority on the subject. Geared to philosophers, biologists, and students of both, the book provides sophisticated and innovative coverage of the central topics and many of the latest developments in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEmphasizing connections between biological theories and other areas of philosophy, and carefully explaining both philosophical and biological terms, Peter Godfrey-Smith discusses the relation between philosophy and science; examines the role of laws, mechanistic explanation, and idealized models in biological theories; describes evolution by natural selection; and assesses attempts to extend Darwin's mechanism to explain changes in ideas, culture, and other phenomena.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFurther topics include functions and teleology, individuality and organisms, species, the tree of life, and human nature. The book closes with detailed, cutting-edge treatments of the evolution of cooperation, of information in biology, and of the role of communication in living systems at all scales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAuthoritative and up-to-date, \u003cem\u003ePhilosophy of Biology\u003c\/em\u003e is an essential guide for anyone interested in the important philosophical issues raised by the biological sciences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47597504299244,"sku":"9780691174679","price":47.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9443e3117ad598b6654221aecbe90662.jpg?v=1777958444"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/peter-godfrey-smith.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}