The edge of evolution : animality, inhumanity, and Doctor Moreau / Ronald Edwards.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Edwards, Ronald, 1964- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Wells, H. G. (Herbert George), 1866-1946. Island of Doctor Moreau.

Wells, H. G.

Literature and science.

Animals in literature.

Humanity in literature.

Ethics in literature.

Evolution (Biology) in literature.

Biology in literature.

Physical Description:

xv, 274 pages ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Oxford University Press, [2016]

Summary:

"In this interdisciplinary work, author Ron Edwards offers an innovative rereading of H. G. Wells' "The Island of Dr. Moreau." Edwards utilizes his twenty-five years in biology and the ethics of animal research to examine the bioethical implications of Wells' work and its relevance to contemporary scientific and philosophical discussions. He tackles the myth of human exceptionalism, the notion that we are fundamentally different from the rest of the animal kingdom. We must view ourselves, he argues, not as from animals, but as animals. The approachable tone is suitable for a wide audience of the scientifically curious. At the same time, great care is given to providing an accurate and considered treatment of the technical aspects of the novel, including the scientific plausibility of Dr. Moreau's experiment. Never before have Wells' ideas been examined in such detail by an evolutionary biologist with the author's considerable experience. The implications are far-reaching, touching on key topics in animal rights, evolution, and the relationship between religion and science. Its approachability and dedication to technical accuracy produces a unique perspective on Wells' classic. Anyone with an interest in confronting some of the central issues of human existence through the lens of fiction will be rewarded with an original and thought-provoking work. "-- Provided by publisher.

"The book presents a re-reading of H. G. Wells' novel "The Island of Doctor Moreau" as a key to addressing the controversies of our own humanity. It raises the issue: without human exceptionalism, where do ethics come from?"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note:

PART ONE: NOT MEANT TO KNOW

Chapter 1: The Paw

Taking exception / Science and fiction / Science fiction

Chapter 2: The Ism that Wasn't

It does not please you / Darwin in the middle / Two windows

Chapter 3: Don't Meddle

Movies and Moreau / Sorcery / Life science

PART TWO: THE THING IS AN ABOMINATION

Chapter 4: The House of Pain

No pain, no gain / Moreau 1, Prendick 0 / Pain is real

Chapter 5: Into the Lab and Onto the Slab

In the book / How / But why

PART THREE: POOR BEASTS

Chapter 6: All the Difference

Moreau's Man / Prendick's gaze / "No!" / The virago

Chapter 7: To the Beasts You May Go

No threshold / Selection and its discontents / The Valley

PART FOUR: NO ESCAPE

Chapter 8: That is the Law

Whose Law? / Hell is real / The Jesus moment / The rebel

Chapter 9: Beast Monsters

The taste of blood / The stubborn beast flesh / The horror

Chapter 10: Big Thinks

Suffering and philosophy / Science and humanity.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780190212094

0190212098

OCLC:

923796160