赫胥黎(Thomas Henry Huxley，1825-1895)，英国著名博物学家，达尔文进化论最杰出的代表，自称为“达尔文的斗犬”。赫胥黎发表过150多篇科学论文，内容涉及动物学、古生物学、地质学、人类学和植物学等多方面知识。1893年，68岁高龄的他应友人邀请，在牛津大学举办了一次有关演化的讲演，主要讲述了宇宙过程中的自然力量与伦理过程中的人为力量相互激扬、相互制约、相互依存的根本问题。这份讲稿经过整理，即为《天演论》。

Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895) was one of the most prominent evolutionists of the late nineteenth century. A close companion of Charles Darwin, Huxley developed a reputation as 'Darwin's Bulldog' for his relentless defense of evolutionary theory. Huxley was also an ardent supporter of social reform, particularly in his call for quality education at all levels. "Evolution and Ethics", widely considered to be his greatest lecture, distilled a lifetime's wisdom and sensitive understanding of the nature and needs of humankind. Arguing that the human psyche is at war with itself, that humans are alienated in the cosmos, and that moral societies are necessarily in conflict with the natural conditions of their existence, Huxley nevertheless saw moral dictates as the key to future human happiness and success. This new edition features an introduction by renowned historian and philosopher of biology Michael Ruse, placing Huxley's lecture in its original context while showing its even deeper relevance for our own time.