Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction
by Eugenie C. Scott
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Book Summary Information
Author: Eugenie C. ScottForeword: Niles Eldredge
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-10-12
ISBN: 0520246500
Number of pages: 298
Publisher: University of California Press
Book Reviews of Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction
Book Review: An Excellent Introduction Explaining Why Evolution Is Science & Creationism Isn't
Summary: 5 Stars
Physical anthropologist Eugenie C. Scott has had the daunting, indeed Herculean, task of defending the teaching of genuine science - by this I mean of course primarily evolutionary biology - in science classrooms throughout the United States as executive director of the National Center for Science Education. Hers has truly been the battle of "David" versus "Goliath", or rather, an asymmetrical conflict between advocates of excellent American scientific educationg against creationist advocates benefitting from their association with affluent anti-evolutionist Conservative think tanks like the Discovery Institue, the intellectual headquarters of the "Intelligent Design" movement. If a Purple Heart could be bestowed upon her for valor, then she would have earned one hundreds of times, for successfully assisting and coordinating efforts to defeat by legal means, numerous attempts to introduce Intelligent Design and other forms of scientific creationism into science classrooms. Here in "Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction", she provides an invaluable introduction to the Evolution/Creation controversy (Of which I do include Intelligent Design since it is creationism's latest, most intellectually sophisticated, variety, having "evolved" from other, older forms of creationism.). And yet she has done a fine job trying to be fair in her presentation of the Creationist "world-view", by serving as a moderator at an Intelligent Design debate held a few years ago at the American Museum of Natural History (The pro-side was argued by leading Intelligent Design advocates William Dembski and Michael Behe; the con by philosopher Robert Pennock and cell biologist Ken Miller.). Once more she succeeds in this book by offering a more nuanced, balanced perspective in her discussion of Creationism, even as she makes a most eloquent case in support of genuine science, and especially, of evolutionary biology (Inspite of being "black-listed" by Creationist writers unwilling to grant her permission to quote directly from their published works, acting more like press censors working for Totalitarian regimes than "sincere" advocates seeking "balance" in science classrooms for their irrational, unscientific views to be discussed along with genuine science, she still tried to demonstrate their perspective by referring to their works.).
Eugenie Scott's "Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction" is an excellent introduction to this burning issue which should be read by anyone interested in ensuring quality science education in America. In her opening section on evolution and the nature of science, Scott is quite emphatic as to what science is - and what it isn't. She stresses not only its inherently rational character, but also the key feature which distinguishes it from a religiously-motivated pseudoscience such as Intelligent Design; that it is an objective search for an inconstant, ever shifting "truth", whose very nature undergoes self-assessment and correction. She does an admirable job describing the scientific method, and reviewing the overwhelming scientific evidence for the reality of biological evolution. The second section explores the intellectual and philosophical history of the search for an adequate explanation explaining biological diversity, beginning with ancient Greek philosophers and concluding with early reaction to the publication of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" from Christians in 19th Century Europe and America. The third section is her thorough, yet terse, exploration of 20th Century Creationism in the United States and of the many legal challenges mounted by creationists against the teaching of evolution (Those interested in more in-depth coverage may find more useful Robert Pennock's "Tower of Babel" for its extensive overview of all the different breeds of creationism, including Intelligent Design.). Originally published by a private Connecticut-based publisher, "Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction" is available now from the University of California Press, which means that is now available to as wide a readership as possible. Without question, it is still one of the best - if not the best - introductions to both the nature of the scientific enterprise and the religiously-oriented origins of so-called "Scientific Creationism".
Summary of Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction
Almost eighty years after the Scopes trial, the debate over the teaching of evolution continues to rage. There is no easy resolution--it is a complex topic with profound scientific, religious, educational, and legal implications. How can a student or parent understand this issue, which is such a vital part of education? Evolution vs. Creationism provides a badly needed, comprehensive, and balanced survey. Written by one of the leading advocates for the teaching of evolution in the United states, this accessible resource provides an introduction to the many facets of the current debate--the scientific evidence for evolution, the legal and educational basis for its teaching, and the various religious points of view--as well as a concise history of the evolution-creationism controversy.Each of the four sections of Evolution vs. Creationism provides a resource that will assist the reader in better understanding these issues. The first section addresses the nature of how evolution works as part of the scientific enterprise, as well as a summary of the relationship between religious beliefs and science. A section on the history of the controversy provides a handy synopsis of the lengthy struggles, from before Darwin to the present day, between advocates of creationism and the proponents of evolution. A collection of primary source documents addressing cosmology, law, education, and religious issues from all sides of the debate constitute the third section. The book concludes with a selection of resources for further information for those who wish to study the topic in more depth.
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