Darwin's Legacy: What Evolution Means Today - Couverture rigide

Dupre, John

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0192803379 ISBN 13 : 9780192803375

Editeur : Oxford University Press, 2004

Synopsis

The theory of evolution has fundamentally changed our view of the universe and our place in it. By providing a radically new vision of the origin of human beings, it challenged long-held assumptions about our own significance, and undermined the major arguments for the existence of God. But almost 150 years after the publication of Darwin's "Origin of Species" these implications are still not properly understood, and in some sectors of society they are actively resisted. The last decade has also seen the rise of a new field, evolutionary psychology, which takes the theory of evolution to provide insight into aspects of human culture and behaviour as diverse as language, morality, sexuality, and art. This book shows that although there are particular aspects of the theory of evolution which remain controversial, and issues still to be settled, there can no longer be any doubt that the basis of the theory is true. It examines the consequences for our view of human nature, religion, and non-human animals. John Dupre then investigates the appropriation of evolutionary biology by psychologists, and argues that their claims are largely spurious: despite its status as one of the most important scientific ideas of all time, the theory of evolution has very little to tell us about the details of human nature and human behaviour.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

Charles Darwin transformed our understanding of the universe and our place in it with his development of the theory of evolution. 150 years later, we are still puzzling over the implications. John Dupré presents a lucid, witty introduction to evolution and what it means for our view of humanity, the natural world, and religion. He explains the right and the wrong ways to understand evolution: in the latter category fall most of the claims of evolutionary psychology, of which Dupré gives a withering critique. He shows why the theory of evolution is one of the most important scientific ideas of all time, but makes clear that it can't explain everything - contrary to widespread popular belief, it has very little to tell us about the details of human nature and human behaviour, such as language, culture, and sexuality. Darwin's Legacy clears a path through the confusion and controversy surrounding evolution; anyone who is interested in understanding what the theory of evolution can and can't do will find this a compelling and enjoyable introduction.

Revue de presse

...a stimulating and sometimes entertaining account of Darwin's theory and of its continuing influence on our lives today. (Contemporary Review)

Vigorously argued and very readable, Darwin's Legacy is a razor-sharp analysis of the limits and the power of evolution. (The Guardian)

Dupré's account of how he believes evolutionary theory has inflicted a "fatal injury" to "the pretensions of religion" provides a wonderful counterpoint to Creationist dogma. . . . Dupré's wonderfully succinct explanation of evolutionary theory is a good enough reason in itself to buy this book; however, with the forces of the religious right keen to mount an offensive on these shores, it's the eloquent and uncompromising argument that may prove indispensable. (The Independent)

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Oxford University Press
• Date d'édition: 2004
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0192803379
• ISBN 13: 9780192803375
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 148
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: Ufficio Anagrafiche Messaggerie; ufficio.anagrafiche@meli.it; ; Via Verdi, 8; Assago Milano; 20090; Italie