Explore Evolution The Arguments for and Against Neo-Darwinism

Endorsements

Endorsements

I have read the book “Explore Evolution” and I was pleasantly surprised. The book covers both aspects of the controversy over neo-darwinism in a balanced way, perhaps as well it may be done by any authors. Of course to some uncompromising adherents of neo-darwinism even suggesting there is a controversy over the subject makes the authors suspect, and as far as I understand all the authors have at least some doubts over the theory. However, they have not stressed their personal views, but have given a balanced over all picture of the debate.

I strongly recommend this book as one of the most balanced ones written on this subject.

Lennart Saari, Doctor of Agriculture and Forestry Science Adjunct Professor in Wildlife Biology, University of Helsinki, Finland

What a superb book! Clear, understandable, impartial, and intellectually honest. A great summary of the differing positions held by eminent scientists on the subject of evolution. I recommend it, without reservation, to any teacher or professor wanting to encourage students to think about this issue in a scientific manner.

Caroline Crocker, M.Sc., Ph.D., Immunopharmacology, Consultant, Senior Science Writer, Tutor

“Explore Evolution” deals in a straightforward way with the “modern synthesis” of Darwin’s basic ideas and the genetic discoveries of the 20th century that combined to form the Neo-Darwinist theory of evolution. It gives the basic supporting evidence with easily understandable examples, well illustrated. Nevertheless the book also makes clear that no scientific theory, no matter how magisterial or imperious it appears to be, can be looked on as a “sacred cow” too numinous to be approached with anything less than awe. Such theories are challenges thrown out to the scientific community to research all evidence both in favor and against them. Explore Evolution details the exiting debate now raging and points to fascinating new fields of knowledge now opening up.

Arthur Harrison, Professor Emeritus, University of Waterloo

I have read this book with considerable interest and am of the opinion that it will be a help to students of science to appreciate the way scientists carry out their research and interpret the facts discovered. One aspect which appeals to me is the way in which opposing views are presented without bias, leaving the reader to arrive at his own conclusions.

Alan H. Linton, Emeritus Professor of Bacteriology, University of Bristol

Explore Evolution is an excellent resource for those who wish to study the topic of neo-Darwinian evolution objectively. The standard pillars of the theory are examined from all sides objectively, but more importantly, civilly. The inquiry approach is excellent for students as they use critical thinking skills to “explore” cutting edge information in an evidence for and evidence against format, leaving room for further debate and questions. The students can follow the evidence wherever it leads and form their own conclusions, or as Charles Darwin said, “A fair result can be obtained only by fully stating and balancing the facts and arguments on both sides of each question”

Doug Cowan, George R. Curtis Senior High School Biology and Anatomy teacher

By using an inquiry approach to the challenging and controversial questions about life’s origins, Explore Evolution combines good science with effective pedagogy. Instead of attempting to indoctrinate students, this text affirms the ability of students to engage in a rational scientific investigation of the relevant data as a means of developing their own understanding of the origin and function of life on Earth.

John E. Silvius, Senior Professor of Biology at Cedarville University

The authors of this book have provided compelling responses that counter the popular sentiment that Darwinian evolution is fact and that there is overwhelming acceptance of it as such by academic scientists, philosophers and sociologists with little need for critical testing. The authors accomplish this by presenting arguments of authorities who advocate both for and against the theory leaving the reader to decide where the weight of evidence lies. They do this with a clarity and simplicity that can be understood by the lay public, and excellent visual aids reinforce the explanations to make this book quite user friendly. Yet the book can also appeal to those sophisticated in their understanding of the issues surrounding Darwin’s theory, and it promises to be an important resource in the classroom at secondary, undergraduate and graduate levels. The authors identify questions throughout the text that cry out for answers, thereby stimulating interested readers who are students to consider scientific careers by which answers can be derived.

E. Stan Lennard, M.D., Sc.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, Ret., University of Washington

I think Explore Evolution does a very good job in its stated purpose, namely, to provide a forensic presentation of the open questions surrounding the Neo-Darwinian orthodoxy in contemporary biology. The style of the textbook alone is a breath of fresh air from the sterile dogmatism that students normally encounter in the classroom. Explore Evolution gives students a sense that there is still everything to play for when it comes to understanding the nature of life. It should help revive the seemingly lost idea that there is more to science than simply tying up the loose ends of established ideas, as well as to inspire even the students who decide not to pursue scientific careers to engage critically with science throughout their lives.

Dr. Steve Fuller, Professor of Sociology, University of Warwick, England

For Discussion on the Debate, visit:

www.exploreevolution.com/debate

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The Arguments for and Against Neo-Darwinism