Unlocking potential with the best learning and research solutions

I want this title to be available as an eBook

Darwinism and its Discontents

Author: Michael Ruse, Florida State University

Date Published: October 2006
availability: Available
format: Hardback
isbn: 9780521829472

Rate & review

Hardback

Add to wishlist

Other available formats:
Paperback

Looking for an inspection copy?

This title is not currently available on inspection

Description

Contents

Resources

Courses

About the Authors

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.
- 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
Read more
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
See more reviews
Customer reviews

Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review

Log in to review

Review was not posted due to profanity
×

, create a review

(If you're not , sign out)

Please enter the right captcha value

Please enter a star rating.

Your review must be a minimum of 12 words.

How do you rate this item?

Reviews must contain at least 12 words about the product.

×

Product details
- Date Published: October 2006
- format: Hardback
- isbn: 9780521829472
- length: 328 pages
- dimensions: 230 x 163 x 27 mm
- weight: 0.65kg
- availability: 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.
Look Inside
Instructors have used or reviewed this title for the following courses
- Selected topics in Anthropology -- Creation vs. Evolution seminar
Author
Michael Ruse, Florida State University
Michael Ruse is one of the world's leading authorities on the history and philosophy of Darwinian evolutionary theory. He is the author of many books; his most recent book with Cambridge University Press is The Cambridge Companion to the Philosophy of Biology (2007, with David L. Hull). A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he has been a Herbert Spencer Lecturer at Oxford University and a Gifford Lecturer at Glasgow University, and he has also held Guggenheim and Isaak Walton Killiam fellowships.