Darwinism and its Discontents

Michael Ruse author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:31st Jul '06

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Darwinism and its Discontents cover

This book presents an ardent defence of Darwin's theory of evolution, exploring recent controversies such as Creationism.

Presenting 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 important issues (including the debate over Creationism and its modern day offshoot, Intelligent Design Theory) and drawing upon the most recent discoveries.Presenting 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.

'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

ISBN: 9780521829472

Dimensions: 230mm x 163mm x 27mm

Weight: 650g

328 pages