Ornithology, Evolution, and Philosophy The Life and Science of Ernst Mayr 1904-2005

Jürgen Haffer3540717773, 978-3-540-71777-5

Ernst May г (1904-2005), eminent natural ist-systematist and ornithologist, ”architect” of the Synthetic Theory of Evolution, leading evolutionary biologist and influential historian and philosopher of biology, was asked repeatedly by friends, associates, and peers to write an autobiography, but he always declined such suggestions because he considered those of other people he knew as inadequate. Moreover, he could not very well talk about himself without bragging, which did not appeal to him. Who else has had a private dinner with the Emperor and Empress of Japan? Who else has had honorary degrees from the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, the Sorbonne, Uppsala, and Berlin? And who else has been able to celebrate the 75th anniversary of his PhD? He also published several autobiographical accounts, dictated copious autobiographical notes, and annotated his bibliography. I had the privilege of using these notes and, in addition, of asking him numerous questions, which he answered patiently in many personal letters. He supported the plan of a biography wholeheartedly from the beginning and reviewed a first draft in detail. In many ways he should be considered a coauthor of this book.