Biology presents a similarly sticky question: how do we get from genes to behaviour? Gary Marcus in The Birth of the Mind (Basic Books, $14.95, £11.99) aims to clear up popular misunderstandings of what it is that genes do. Even the notion of a gene “for” something is an error, springing from the power of metaphors. Marcus sets out to clarify that genes are “rich providers of opportunity”.
Confused? Don’t worry. Philosopher Joseph Camp’s Confusion: A study in the theory of knowledge (Harvard University Press, $18.95,£12.95) is full of ideas and insight into what knowledge is – and…
