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Michael Ruse

Professor of Philosophy, Florida State University

Michael Ruse is the Lucyle T Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy and director of the history and philosophy of science program at Florida State University. He has written or edited more than 60 books, including most recently On Purpose (2017), Darwinism as Religion (2016), The Problem of War (2018) and A Meaning to Life (2019).

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Written by Michael Ruse

A vintage photograph of a man in formal attire with sideburns, holding a young child dressed in patterned clothes on his lap.

ideaMeaning and the good life

The meaning to life? A Darwinian existentialist has his answers

Michael Ruse

Black and white photo of young children sitting at a table with empty plates, hands clasped or covering faces in a prayerful manner.

essayEthics

The God decision

Christian parents teach their children to believe in God, atheists teach them not to. Who is doing the right thing?

Michael Ruse

Illustration of a Stegosaurus with maroon plates grazing in a grassy area with mountains and a setting sun in the background.

essayBiology

Does life have a purpose?

Nobody expects atoms and molecules to have purposes, so why do we still think of living things in this way?

Michael Ruse

Illustration of a smiling elderly man in a green shirt, surrounded by fantastical flora and fauna with trees and a pond.

essayEcology and environmental sciences

Earth’s holy fool?

Some scientists think that James Lovelock’s Gaia theory is nuts, but the public love it. Could both sides be right?

Michael Ruse

Richard Dawkins in a suit smiling, with folded hands, standing in a dimly lit room with statues and a hanging light in the background.

essayValues and beliefs

Curb your enthusiasm

High priests, holy writ and excommunications – how did Humanism end up acting like a religion?

Michael Ruse