Darwin's legacy : what evolution means today / John Dupre.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dupré, John.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Evolution (Biology)--Philosophy.

Evolution (Biology).

Genetic psychology.

Human evolution--Philosophy.

Human evolution.

Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882--Influence.

Darwin, Charles.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (ix, 138 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2003.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Charles Darwin transformed our understanding of the universe and our place in it with his development of the theory of evolution. John Dupre presents a lucid, witty introduction to evolution and what it means for our view of humanity, the natural world, and religion.

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 Dupre 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 Dupre 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.

Contents:

Cover

Contents

1. Introduction

2. What is the Theory of Evolution?

3. What is the Theory of Evolution Good For?

4. Human Origins and the Decline of Theism

5. Humans and Other Animals

6. Human Nature

7. Race and Gender

8. Conclusion

Further Reading

Index

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X.

Notes:

Originally published: 2003.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on metadata supplied by the publisher and other sources.

ISBN:

1-280-59435-7

9786613624185

0-19-163828-5

OCLC:

794549212