Exploring Evolution: The Arguments For and Against Neo-Darwinism

Thinking of studying Higher Biology ?

This 150-page book aims to stimulate interest in the question of beginnings and tries to present differing views of many aspects of evolutionary theory in a respectful way. It attempts to clarify what is meant by historical as opposed to empirical science and encourages careful observation and a questioning mind. It is attractively presented with illustrations and charts on most pages. It is written in a very readable style. 

The authors aim to show that scientists can and do disagree in their interpretation of empirical evidence at times. Sometimes these disagreements are on one aspect of a theory, for example a different view on whether life began from a single common ancestor (the monophyletic view) or a group of originators (the polyphyletic theory). At other times they are more extensive reservations about a whole aspect or theory.

There is also a recognition that new theories may develop as more evidence becomes available. Thus, there is no shame in changing one’s mind in the light of new evidence from our study of the natural world. There have already been big changes in understanding and interpreting natural selection since the discovery of DNA.

I believe the authors are genuinely trying to present the arguments for and against Neo-Darwinism in an unbiased way. However, as they mention in the prologue all of them happen to have reservations about various aspects of evolutionary theory. Perhaps some bias against Neo-Darwinism is inevitable in a book where both arguments for and against are presented by the same authors albeit with quotes from scientists with whom they disagree.

Having said that all mentions of the scientists with whom the authors disagree show no disrespect to them as scientists and this is a welcome feature. The book does not aim to prove Creation or Intelligent design or Evolution. What book could do that? None of us was there in the beginning to observe the origin of our Universe. I believe, by faith (not proof) that God made the world, but that’s not what this book is about.

I would recommend this book to all biology students who want to understand more about historic science and evolution. I also think it would be particularly helpful for those students who have been put off biological sciences by the somewhat abrasive approach in books both for and against Neo Darwinism.(Review by Dr Eirwen Davies)

It can be viewed on Amazon here.