Debating Darwin

by Robert J. Richards, Michael Ruse

Two evolutionists debate the intellectual roots of Darwin’s theories, drawing connections to German Romanticism, the Scottish Enlightenment, and more.   Charles Darwin is an icon of modern science, and his theory of evolution is commonly referenced by scientists and nonscientists alike. Yet there is a surprising amount we don’t know about the father of modern evolutionary thinking, his intellectual roots, or even the science he produced. Debating Darwin brings together two leading Darwin scholars—Robert J. Richards and Michael Ruse—to engage in a spirited and insightful dialogue, offering their interpretations of Darwin and their critiques of each other’s thinking. Examining key disagreements about Darwin that continue to confound even committed Darwinists, Richards and Ruse offer divergent views on the man and his ideas. Ruse argues that Darwin was quintessentially British, part of an intellectual lineage tracing back to the Industrial Revolution and thinkers such as Adam Smith and Thomas Robert Malthus. Ruse sees Darwin’s work in biology as an extension of their theories. In contrast, Richards presents Darwin as more cosmopolitan, influenced as much by French and German thinkers.  Above all, argues Richards, it was Alexander von Humboldt who gave Darwin the conceptual tools he needed to formulate his evolutionary hypotheses.   Together, the authors show how these contrasting views on Darwin’s influences can be felt in theories about the nature of natural selection, the role of metaphor in science, and the place of God in Darwin’s thought. The book concludes with a jointly authored chapter that brings this debate into the present, focusing on human evolution, consciousness, religion, and morality.

Genres: Science

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2016

Reviews

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Debating Darwin by Robert J. Richards and Michael Ruse

Overview
Debating Darwin by Robert J. Richards and Michael Ruse is a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse regarding Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and its implications for science, philosophy, and religion. This volume sets out to explore the complexities and nuances surrounding Darwin’s work, offering readers a detailed examination of the debates that have arisen since the publication of On the Origin of Species. Through a series of essays by leading scholars, Richards and Ruse provide a comprehensive analysis of Darwin’s ideas and their impact on contemporary thought.

Key Themes
Historical Context: The book effectively situates Darwin’s theories within the broader historical and scientific milieu of the 19th century. Richards and Ruse detail the intellectual challenges Darwin faced, such as opposition from religious groups and competing scientific paradigms. This contextualization is crucial for understanding the resistance to Darwinian evolution and its eventual acceptance.

Philosophical Implications: The authors delve into the philosophical ramifications of Darwin’s theories, particularly regarding concepts of human nature, morality, and the origins of life. They engage with critiques from both proponents of Intelligent Design and secular philosophers, illustrating the ongoing debates about the implications of evolution for understanding human existence and purpose.

Scientific Developments: Debating Darwin highlights the evolution of evolutionary biology following Darwin’s initial contributions, including discussions on genetics, paleontology, and the modern synthesis. This discussion serves to show how Darwin’s ideas have been both affirmed and challenged by subsequent scientific discoveries, emphasizing the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry.

Religion and Science: A significant portion of the book addresses the contentious relationship between religious beliefs and scientific understanding since Darwin’s time. The contributors critically analyze how different religious groups have responded to evolutionary theory, often framing their arguments within the context of broader cultural conflicts between science and faith.

The Legacy of Darwin: The text concludes by exploring Darwin’s enduring legacy in both scientific and popular culture. Richards and Ruse reflect on how Darwinism has been utilized and misused in various contexts, including ethical debates in genetics and biomedicine, and the cultural narratives surrounding evolution today.

Conclusion
Debating Darwin is a vital resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the intersections of science, philosophy, and theology. Robert J. Richards and Michael Ruse offer a balanced and scholarly examination of Darwin’s theories and their far-reaching consequences. The book not only enriches our understanding of Darwin’s contributions but also stimulates critical discussions that remain relevant in today’s debates over evolution and its implications.

This collection serves as an essential reference for those looking to engage more deeply with the questions surrounding Darwinism, making it a commendable addition to the fields of evolutionary biology, philosophy of science, and religious studies. With its thorough analysis and diverse perspectives, Debating Darwin encourages readers to grapple with the complexities and challenges that continue to arise in the wake of Darwin’s groundbreaking work.