Biological Thinking, Ancient and Modern

Interesting links related to our course ideas:
* E. O. Wilson's "Great Scientist ≠ Good at Math" is just the latest example of statements by great scientists emphasizing how imagination can be more important than technical proficiency for breakthroughs in our understanding of nature
* blueprints of flowers
Further modern sources we may wish to explore:
* Canadian philosopher Thomas Nagel's new book Mind and Cosmos: Why the materialist neo-Darwinian conception of nature is almost certainly false (2012) is making waves. A quick search will bring up many indignant reviews, but I suggest starting with the review published in NYRB by biologist H. Allen Orr (on Nexus) and Chorost's piece in Chronicle of Higher Ed
Recommended sources for some of our ancient material:
* Search the Schaffer catalogue for Inwood Empedocles - Brad Inwood's 2001 translation takes into account the discovery of the Strasbourg papyrus