Short description
Assesses Darwin's theory of evolution and looks at why it arises such heated debate among scientists, philosophers and sociologists. This book shows that Darwinism does not devalue the miracles of life.
Long description
This work assesses Darwin's theory of evolution and looks at why it arises such heated debate among scientists, philosophers and sociologists. The book aims to show that Darwinism does not devalue the miracles of life.
Review
This contribution to the Darwin industry comes from an American professor who is in some ways a counterpart to our own Richard Dawkins, forcefully arguing the case that contends Darwin's 'great idea' (natural selection) is all you need to understand how evolution works. Dennett is above all a great communicator of enthusiasm about ideas. In this stunning book he provides an entertaining and illuminating synopsis of the various descendants of Darwinism. But, more importantly, he provides a philosophical analysis of the implications of Darwin's thought for every aspect of our lives. Dennett compares the consequences of Darwinism to 'universal acid', a fictional chemical which can eat through every vessel in which you try to contain it. Controversial topics such as punctuated equilibrium and sociobiology are discussed in their proper context, consciousness is explained, and our place in the universe is pondered. A massive, far-ranging book that will keep you intrigued throughout the long winter evenings. This brilliant exposition of the position known as ultra-Darwinism will surely become a classic. (Kirkus UK)
Table of contents
- Part I Starting in the middle: tell me why
- an idea is born
- universal acid
- the tree of life
- the possible and the actual
- threads of actuality in design space. Part II Darwinian thinking in biology: priming Darwin's pump
- biology is engineering
- searching for quality
- bully for brontosaurus
- controversies contained. Part III Mind, meaning, mathematics, and morality: cranes of culture
- losing our minds to Darwin
- the evolution of meanings
- the emperor's new mind, and other fables
- on the origin of morality
- redesigning morality
- the future of an idea.