Overview

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.

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9780199284214

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Reviews

...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 Dupre'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... Dupre'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

...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 Dupre'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... Dupre'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

Author Information

John A. Dupré is Professor of Philosophy of Science & Director of the ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society at the University of Exeter. He lectures extensively in the U.K., North America, and Europe. His main area of research is the philosophy of science with special interest in the philosophy of biology, the role of values in science, and the nature of biological species. His books include Human Nature and the Limits of Science (OUP).

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