Research/Career Interests:
Distinguished Professor Emeritus Modern Life Sciences, Intellectual History
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Paul is currently preparing a biography of Theodosius Dobzhansky
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Farber has studied the emergence of scientific disciplines such as ornithology, the naturalist tradition, and the development of evolutionary ethics. In addition, he has been active in promoting the use of history of science in teaching biology and held a joint appointment in the Department of Zoology.
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Professor Farber studied zoology as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh and then received a masters (1968) and a doctoral (1970) degree in history and philosophy of science at Indiana University. He has taught at Oregon State since 1970. Visiting appointments have included the University of Washington, Cambridge University, and Imperial College (London). Professor Farber has served on the Council of the History of Science Society and was its President, was a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the History of Biology, and was Secretary of Section L (History and Philosophy of Science) of the AAAS for eight years.
Select Journal Articles
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"Teaching Evolution and the Nature of Science," American Biology Teacher, 65(5):347-354, (2003).
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"Race-Mixing and Science in the United States," Endeavor, 27(4):166-170, (2003).
Books
Mixing Races:
From Scientific Racism to Modern Evolutionary Ideas,
(The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011)
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Race and Science:
Scientific Challenges to Racism in Modern America.
(Oregon State University Press, 2009)
co-editor with Hamilton Cravens |
The Temptations of Evolutionary Ethics,
(University of California Press, June 30, 1998)
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Discovering Birds:
the Emergence of Ornithology as a Scientific Discipline,
(Johns Hopkins University Press, December 5, 1996)
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Finding Order in Nature:
The Naturalist Tradition from Linnaeus to E.O. Wilson,
(Johns Hopkins University Press, 1994)
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Biology: The Network of Life
(Harper Collins Publishers 1992)
co-author with Michael Mix and Keith King
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Religion, Science, and Worldview:
Essays in Honor of Richard S. Westfall.
(Cambridge University Press, 1985)
co-editor with Margaret J. Osler
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