The idea of evolution: it fascinates some of us, disturbs others, and leaves only a very few people indifferent. In his interpretation of evolutionary theory, Michael Ruse pinpoints the common source of this attraction and discomfort. A writer on evolutionary theory and its history, Ruse has long been sensitive to the fact that many people - and not simply religious enthusiasts - find something touching about much of what passes for science in evolutionary circles. What causes this tension, he finds in his search of ...
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The idea of evolution: it fascinates some of us, disturbs others, and leaves only a very few people indifferent. In his interpretation of evolutionary theory, Michael Ruse pinpoints the common source of this attraction and discomfort. A writer on evolutionary theory and its history, Ruse has long been sensitive to the fact that many people - and not simply religious enthusiasts - find something touching about much of what passes for science in evolutionary circles. What causes this tension, he finds in his search of evolutionism's 250-year history, is the intimate relationship between evolution and the secular ideology of progress. Ubiquitous in Darwin's time, the idea of an unceasing improvement in life insinuated its way into evolutionary theory from the first. In interviews with today's major figures in evolutionary biology - including Stephen Jay Gould, Edward O. Wilson, Ernst Mayr and John Maynard Smith - and in a look at the discoveries and advances in the history and philosophy of science, Ruse finds this belief just as prevalent in the 1990s - however it might be denied or obscured. His book traces the line between those who argue that science is and must be objective and those who deem science a "social construction" in the fashion of religion or the rest of culture. It offers an account of evolutionary theory, from popular books to museums to the most complex theorizing, at a time when its status as science is under greater scrutiny than ever before.
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Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Near Fine in Very Good jacket. Inscribed by Ruse! First edition, 1996, hardcover with blue cloth boards in dust jacket, octavo, 628pp., sparsely illustrated in b&w. Book near fine with hint of wear to edges, binding tight, front couple pages show faint creasing to top corner, otherwise text clean and unmarked. DJ VG with crease to top front corner, spine and rear panel sunned, other edgewear that includes small tears.
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Very Good+ in Very Good+ dust jacket. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and drawings. The dust jacket is protected by a Brodart mylar cover and is not clipped. Not an ex-library copy. No remainder marks. Most books shipped within 24 hours. All books mailed with Delivery Confirmation. Previous owner's signature at the top of the front fly-leaf and his embossed seal near the bottom of the title page. Very good+ condition in very good + dust jacket.; Black-and-white illustrations; 8vo.; x, 628 pages.
