Dawkins’ broad subject, as might be inferred from the subtitle (The Evidence for Evolution) is Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. Being an evolutionary biologist himself, and a former Professor for Public Understanding of Science, Dawkins follows the footsteps of many previous science authors such as Jerry Coyne, and lays a trail for many more to follow.
Dawkins lays down his thesis that Darwinian evolution is indeed true and occurs all around us, and does so passionately, which an observer might consider bias. He sets forth considerable evidence to support his position, though, which constitutes a major strength of the book. A second strength, though it might also be seen as bias, is his point-by-point refutation of intelligent design. This was also one of the major aims of this book, and was, at least in my opinion, successful. This refutation also serves to diminish the opposition, making evolution appear that much more credible. However, this could also be construed as a narrow-minded approach to the topic.
One of Dawkins’ notable contentions is that even without the fossil record, incomplete as it is, we would still have more than enough evidence to conclude evolution was valid. He proves this through examples from molecular genetics and DNA similiarities, vestigial organs such as the human appendix, and examples of biological structure indicating a lack of design.
Having already mentioned the book’s strengths, it would be appropriate to point out one of the book’s few weaknesses; the somewhat ad hominem references to creationists as ‘history-deniers’. However, as Dawkins makes clear by publishing an interview he had with a creationist, this has less to do with a personal hatred and is mostly from his self-admitted exasperation with having to explain the subject time and time again, only to have his evidence ignored.
Overall, I would say this book is a good entry-level volume for those interested in the subject, as it sets out what evolution is. Readers interested in more specific aspects of evolution would be better off reading material geared towards specific areas of evolutionary theory, such as The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker and Climbing Mount Improbable.
Dawkins’ broad subject, as might be inferred from the subtitle (The Evidence for Evolution) is Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. Being an evolutionary biologist himself, and a former Professor for Public Understanding of Science, Dawkins follows the footsteps of many previous science authors such as Jerry Coyne, and lays a trail for many more to follow.
ReplyDeleteDawkins lays down his thesis that Darwinian evolution is indeed true and occurs all around us, and does so passionately, which an observer might consider bias. He sets forth considerable evidence to support his position, though, which constitutes a major strength of the book. A second strength, though it might also be seen as bias, is his point-by-point refutation of intelligent design. This was also one of the major aims of this book, and was, at least in my opinion, successful. This refutation also serves to diminish the opposition, making evolution appear that much more credible. However, this could also be construed as a narrow-minded approach to the topic.
One of Dawkins’ notable contentions is that even without the fossil record, incomplete as it is, we would still have more than enough evidence to conclude evolution was valid. He proves this through examples from molecular genetics and DNA similiarities, vestigial organs such as the human appendix, and examples of biological structure indicating a lack of design.
Having already mentioned the book’s strengths, it would be appropriate to point out one of the book’s few weaknesses; the somewhat ad hominem references to creationists as ‘history-deniers’. However, as Dawkins makes clear by publishing an interview he had with a creationist, this has less to do with a personal hatred and is mostly from his self-admitted exasperation with having to explain the subject time and time again, only to have his evidence ignored.
Overall, I would say this book is a good entry-level volume for those interested in the subject, as it sets out what evolution is. Readers interested in more specific aspects of evolution would be better off reading material geared towards specific areas of evolutionary theory, such as The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker and Climbing Mount Improbable.