Darwinism and its Discontents
Darwinism and its Discontents
£24.00
GBPPresenting an ardent defence of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, this book offers a clear and comprehensive exposition of Darwin's thinking. Michael Ruse brings the story up to date, examining the origins of life, the fossil record, and the mechanism of natural selection. Rival theories are explored, from punctuated equilibrium to human evolution (including the recently found 'hobbits', Homo floresiensis). The philosophical and religious implications of Darwinism are discussed, including a discussion of Creationism and its modern day offshoot, Intelligent Design Theory. Ruse draws upon the most recent discoveries, writing with a minimum of jargon in order to appeal to all readers, from professional biologists to those concerned that Darwinism is a naturalistic religion that is forced on school children despite their own Christian convictions. Openly revealing his own beliefs, Ruse presents readers with all the information and critical tools they need to make an informed decision on evolutionary theory.
- Written by one of the world's leading experts on Darwinian evolution
- Comprehensive and up to date exposition of evolutionary biology, including challenges from science and religion
- Informed but non-technical, of interest to a range from professional scientists to anyone interested in this highly controversial debate
Reviews & endorsements
'As a philosopher, Ruse is well placed to discuss Darwinism's ethical, religious and philosophical dimensions. If the discontents stay with his book long enough to reach its later chapters, they will find material that transcends the conventional empirical challenges to their disbelief.' Nature
'Anyone who wants to understand evolutionary theory and the fascinating issues that surround it, can find no better place than Michael Ruse's Darwinism and Its Discontents. He discusses the objections raised to evolutionary theory down through the most legitimate to those that are anything but legitimate. His discussions are fair, measured and informed. High school students, undergraduates and the public at large would find this book worth reading.' David Hull, Northwestern University
'It is written [wittily] and with great style. Ruse manages to explain complex matters… This book is of interest to anyone who is working in biology and interested in theoretical matters.' HOMO Journal of Comparative Human Biology
Product details
October 2006Hardback
9780521829472
328 pages
230 × 163 × 27 mm
0.65kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Charles Darwin and his revolution
- 2. The fact of evolution
- 3. The origin of life
- 4. The path of evolution
- 5. The cause of evolution
- 6. Limitations and restrictions
- 7. Humans
- 8. Fact or fiction?
- 9. Dishonest science
- 10. Philosophy
- 11. Literature
- 12. Religion.
