Description
Book SynopsisNoted biologist and philosopher Sahotra Sarkar exposes the frauds and fallacies of Intelligent Design Theory, and its claim to be ''good science''. - A scientific and philosophical exploration of the debate between evolutionary theory and Intelligent Design in the classroom
- Puts the debate into its scientific and historical context
- Looks at a variety of topics, including the relation between Darwinism and modern evolutionary theory, the use of computer science and information theory by the creationists, and the idea of metaphysical naturalism
- Rejects Intelligent Design''s claim to legitimacy, showing clearly how and why it is an unsuitable alternative to evolutionary biology in the classroom
- A thought-provoking book for those seeking to understand an intellectual debate that is shaping our education policies
- Forms part of the provocative and timely Blackwell Public Philosophy series
Trade Review“Technically sound in both philosophy of science and evolutionary theory, [Sarkar] appreciates the social responsibility of this position. He is not afraid to wade into a charged political atmosphere. It would make a wonderful textbook for an undergraduate course in either biology or philosophy, and could also be effectively used as a jumping off point into a deeper exploration of a host of topics. My copy will be close at hand on my bookshelf when ID creationists present themselves at my door.” (
Bioscience, December 2008)
“This is a clear and judicious book … Sarkar is to be praised for his nuanced and balanced presentation of the arguments and issues he discusses.” (Kaleidoscope)
“Sarkar’s concise, elegant prose allows him to enlighten and engage readers on every topic…a must read for anyone interested in following the debate...” (Choice)
Table of ContentsList of Figures.
Preface.
Acknowledgements.
1. Introduction.
a. The Central Argument.
b. The Evidence for Evolution.
c. Rejecting Theories.
d. Plan of the Book.
2. The Legacy of Darwin and Wallace.
a. The Theory of Natural Selection.
b. “Absurd in the Highest Possible Degree”.
c. Darwin’s Unfortunate Retreat.
d. Wallace and Weisman.
e. The Decline of Darwinism.
f. Mind and Culture.
g. Contemporary Implications.
3. The Argument from Design.
a. Adaptation and Design.
b. Function, Design, and Selection.
c. Blind Variation.
d. Dembski’s Resurrection.
4. Mere Evolution.
a. Mendel’s Legacy.
b. The Modern Framework for Evolutionary Theory.
c. Selectionism and Neutralism.
d. Reconstructing the Past.
e. Contemporary Debates.
f. Terminological Choices.
5. The Cost of Lunch.
a. Evolutionary Algorithms.
b. The “No Free Lunch” Theorems.
c. Dembski’s Excitement.
d. Utter Irrelevance.
e. Adaptationism.
f. Final Assessment.
6. Complexity is Complicated.
a. Irreducible Complexity?.
b. Pathways to ICSs.
c. The Citric Acid Cycle.
d. The Blood Clotting System.
e. The Bacterial Flagellum.
f. Protein Evolution.
g. Irreducibility and Design.
7. Questions of Information.
a. What is Biological Information?.
b. Information and Evolution.
c. Specified Complexity.
d. The Law of Conservation of Information.
e. The Cambrian “Explosion”.
f. Taking Leave of Creation Biology.
8. Cosmic Coincidences.
a. Physics and Biology.
b. Anthropic Principles?.
c. The Force of Improbability.
d. A Cosmological Design Argument.
e. Is Fine-Tuning Surprising?.
f. A Concluding Note.
9. Naturalism and Its Discontents.
a. What Naturalism Is.
b. Nagel’s Legacy.
c. The Problem of Normativity.
d. Creationist Critiques.
e. Metaphysical Naturalism.
10 Conclusions.
a. Critiques of Evolutionary Theory.
b. Is ID Science?.
c. Back to the Classroom.
Notes.
References.
Index
