New books about evolution
May 23rd 2009 04:36
Books like Jerry A. Coyne's "Why Evolution is True" and the upcoming "The Greatest Show on Earth" by Richard Dawkins shouldn't have to exist. In a rational world, there would be no need for books that directly take on the claims of creationists and "intelligent design theorists", because the evidence for evolution, at least in broad outline, would be known to most people, both for the intellectual satisfaction it brings and because it would take a central stage in our culture. Unfortunately, we live in a world where people are still profoundly misinformed about the process that gave rise to us, and as long as that continues, I'll be thankful for books that lay out the case for evolution.
These books are for people who are on the fence about whether to accept the theory. There are many people who simply aren't sure about what the case for it is, whether the "controversy" is a genuine one, and so forth. These folk can be swayed by being shown the evidence; they aren't extremists by any means but have perhaps never taken the time to delve into the issue or maybe have only a vague acquaintance with the theory but aren't sure whether it's as strong as scientists claim it is. Of course, there are people who can't be swayed by evidence, because their reasons for rejecting evolution have nothing at all to do with evidence in the first place. Those people won't have their minds changed by these books. However, if you know someone who is on the fence, or if you yourself aren't sure about the veracity of evolution but feel you could be swayed if shown solid examples of the sorts of things that together clearly demonstrate it, then I implore you to read Coyne's book, because believe me, it's worth it. Dawkins' book is coming out in September of this year, and it can be pre-ordered from his website. It should also make for another sledge hammer of a read, with the wit and elegance that Dawkins is so renowned for
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These books are for people who are on the fence about whether to accept the theory. There are many people who simply aren't sure about what the case for it is, whether the "controversy" is a genuine one, and so forth. These folk can be swayed by being shown the evidence; they aren't extremists by any means but have perhaps never taken the time to delve into the issue or maybe have only a vague acquaintance with the theory but aren't sure whether it's as strong as scientists claim it is. Of course, there are people who can't be swayed by evidence, because their reasons for rejecting evolution have nothing at all to do with evidence in the first place. Those people won't have their minds changed by these books. However, if you know someone who is on the fence, or if you yourself aren't sure about the veracity of evolution but feel you could be swayed if shown solid examples of the sorts of things that together clearly demonstrate it, then I implore you to read Coyne's book, because believe me, it's worth it. Dawkins' book is coming out in September of this year, and it can be pre-ordered from his website. It should also make for another sledge hammer of a read, with the wit and elegance that Dawkins is so renowned for
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