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Why Evolution Works
Why Evolution Works (and Creationism Fails) is an impassioned argument in favor of science—primarily the theory of evolution—and against creationism. Why impassioned? Should not scientists be dispassionate in their work? “Perhaps,” write the authors, “but it is impossible to remain neutral when our most successful scientific theories are under attack, for religious and other reasons, by laypeople and even some scientists who willfully distort scientific findings and use them for their own purposes.”
Focusing on what other books omit, how science works and how pseudoscience works, Matt Young and Paul K. Strode demonstrate the futility of “scientific” creationism. They debunk the notion of intelligent design and other arguments that show evolution could not have produced life in its present form.
Concluding with a frank discussion of science and religion, Why Evolution Works (and Creationism Fails) argues that science by no means excludes religion, though it ought tocast doubt on certain religious claims that are contrary to known scientific fact.
Focusing on what other books omit, how science works and how pseudoscience works, Matt Young and Paul K. Strode demonstrate the futility of “scientific” creationism. They debunk the notion of intelligent design and other arguments that show evolution could not have produced life in its present form.
Concluding with a frank discussion of science and religion, Why Evolution Works (and Creationism Fails) argues that science by no means excludes religion, though it ought tocast doubt on certain religious claims that are contrary to known scientific fact.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 19, 2009
Since I read a fair amount of science, I didn't learn a whole lot of new science in this. But I thought it was quite well done and laid out a clear and easily accessible path into science -- both its methods and its content. It explained various versions of creationism (I didn't know so many existed!) and nicely, politely and 99.8% patiently explained why they couldn't coexist with science. But the author wasn't out to trash religion as a whole; The book also dealt with why other aspects of religion are *not* at odds with science.
A useful book, I think, if you either believe in creationism (a little or a lot) or want to have meaningful conversations with others who do.
A useful book, I think, if you either believe in creationism (a little or a lot) or want to have meaningful conversations with others who do.
July 3, 2018
As an evolutionary biologist, I often come into contact with creationists. They keep repeating the same old - already debunked - arguments. This book gives an excellent and concise overview of creationist arguments and their refutation. Clearly, creationisme (in whatever form) is pseudoscience and should not be taken seriously.
March 6, 2024
As someone who has both a degree in bio, chemistry, and in engineering, I really like this book. It can get very dense for people who are not familiar with some of the terminology. However, I felt it say lead you through the problems and arguments. Definitely recommend.
August 13, 2019
Pretty basic, although I didn't like the (this all philodophy stuff has been answered, God has no valid arguments) tone, but the creationist-evolutionist chapters are the most helpful.
June 24, 2011
Why Evolution Works (and Creationism Fails) by Matt Young and Paul K. Strode
Why Evolution Works is an ambitious accessible book that focuses on how evolution works and why Creationism fails. It also explains pseudoscience, intelligent design, and young and old earth creationisms. The book is composed of the following five parts: Part I The Basics and History, Part II How Science Works and Creationism Doesn't, Part III The Science of Evolution, Part IV The Universe, and Part V Evolution, Ethics and Religion and a comprehensive glossary.
Positives:
1. I love reading about evolution and books like "Why Evolution Works" rewards me.
2. Well written, well researched and concise.
3. Covers all the main topics that matter and does so very well.
4. Accessible yet profound.
5. Science writing at its best.
6. Interesting facts throughout.
7. Very logical, reasonable and fair tone throughout.
8. Scientific method explained.
9. Interesting history of those groups that oppose evolution.
10. Good discussion on differences between science and pseudoscience.
11. Good chapters on embryology and evo-devo.
12. Great examples of evidence in support of evolution. Insecticide resistance for one.
13. Some great quotes.
14. A truly enjoyable and worthwhile read.
15. A strong bibliography.
Negatives:
1. No links to the referenced books.
2. The last part about ethics was the weakest part of the book.
3. A Table of comparison between the different opposing evolution movements would have been worthwhile.
In summary, this is an excellent book on evolution that indeed has something for everyone. It's accessible yet profound and covers many interesting topics in 224 pages.
Recommendations: " Why Evolution is True" by Jerry A. Coyne, "Your Inner Fish..." by Neil Shubin, "The Making of the Fittest" by Sean B. Carroll, "Why Darwin Matters: The Case against Intelligent Design" by Michael Shermer, "What Evolution Is" by Ernst Mayr, "Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution" by Nick Lane, "Relics of Eden: The Powerful Evidence of Evolution in Human DNA" by Daniel J. Fairbanks and "The Greatest Show on Earth" by the great Richard Dawkins.
Why Evolution Works is an ambitious accessible book that focuses on how evolution works and why Creationism fails. It also explains pseudoscience, intelligent design, and young and old earth creationisms. The book is composed of the following five parts: Part I The Basics and History, Part II How Science Works and Creationism Doesn't, Part III The Science of Evolution, Part IV The Universe, and Part V Evolution, Ethics and Religion and a comprehensive glossary.
Positives:
1. I love reading about evolution and books like "Why Evolution Works" rewards me.
2. Well written, well researched and concise.
3. Covers all the main topics that matter and does so very well.
4. Accessible yet profound.
5. Science writing at its best.
6. Interesting facts throughout.
7. Very logical, reasonable and fair tone throughout.
8. Scientific method explained.
9. Interesting history of those groups that oppose evolution.
10. Good discussion on differences between science and pseudoscience.
11. Good chapters on embryology and evo-devo.
12. Great examples of evidence in support of evolution. Insecticide resistance for one.
13. Some great quotes.
14. A truly enjoyable and worthwhile read.
15. A strong bibliography.
Negatives:
1. No links to the referenced books.
2. The last part about ethics was the weakest part of the book.
3. A Table of comparison between the different opposing evolution movements would have been worthwhile.
In summary, this is an excellent book on evolution that indeed has something for everyone. It's accessible yet profound and covers many interesting topics in 224 pages.
Recommendations: " Why Evolution is True" by Jerry A. Coyne, "Your Inner Fish..." by Neil Shubin, "The Making of the Fittest" by Sean B. Carroll, "Why Darwin Matters: The Case against Intelligent Design" by Michael Shermer, "What Evolution Is" by Ernst Mayr, "Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution" by Nick Lane, "Relics of Eden: The Powerful Evidence of Evolution in Human DNA" by Daniel J. Fairbanks and "The Greatest Show on Earth" by the great Richard Dawkins.
October 28, 2009
Scientific, or Intelligent-Design, Creationism; Astrology; Homeopathic Medicine: all seem to be immortal, like the Undead. This book is an excellent attempt to drive stakes through the hearts of the monsters.
Science requires patient subjection of all hypotheses about the world outside oneself, including one's own favorites, to rigorous statistical testing through experiment. Repeated application of the foregoing general procedure to numerous related hypotheses may, with luck and inspiration, result in a body of tentative, mutually-reinforcing working rules which hang together in a theory or alternatively, a self-consistent model of external phenomena. Pseudoscience is much easier and more quickly gratifying: it only requires the assertion, as an ultimate truth, of a body cherished hypotheses; the only task remaining is to be on the lookout for facts, real or apparent, that support one or more of these hypotheses, or ad hoc embellishments thereof; any facts contradicting them may be explained away or, if such is not possible, ignored.
The authors have provided here a methodical survey of scientific method and mindset, as well as strategies and enthusiasms of peudoscience, with copious illustrative examples. This frankly polemical work can be an antidote for quackery, if the reader keeps an open mind. That's about the best one can hope for: quacks wouldn't be reading it anyway.
Science requires patient subjection of all hypotheses about the world outside oneself, including one's own favorites, to rigorous statistical testing through experiment. Repeated application of the foregoing general procedure to numerous related hypotheses may, with luck and inspiration, result in a body of tentative, mutually-reinforcing working rules which hang together in a theory or alternatively, a self-consistent model of external phenomena. Pseudoscience is much easier and more quickly gratifying: it only requires the assertion, as an ultimate truth, of a body cherished hypotheses; the only task remaining is to be on the lookout for facts, real or apparent, that support one or more of these hypotheses, or ad hoc embellishments thereof; any facts contradicting them may be explained away or, if such is not possible, ignored.
The authors have provided here a methodical survey of scientific method and mindset, as well as strategies and enthusiasms of peudoscience, with copious illustrative examples. This frankly polemical work can be an antidote for quackery, if the reader keeps an open mind. That's about the best one can hope for: quacks wouldn't be reading it anyway.
April 4, 2014
An up to date and easy to read treatise on the dichotomy between the scientific and religious positions on the nature of the universe, including the age of the known universe and our earth and solar system, and the origins and evolution of life on our unique planet.
It defines/describes the scientific method of developing theories, testing those theories and modifying, abandoning or creating new theories based on the results of testing. It contrasts the scientific approach with the pseudo-scientific methods offered by anti-evolutionists or creationists. It shows why religion and science can co-exist, but that some claims by creationists are just not supported by science.
Whether or not you consider yourself religious or non-religious, you owe it to yourself to understand the arguments for and against evolution. Particularly when the creationists seem so determined to deny educating our children about evolution.
Don't believe it? Read the book.
It defines/describes the scientific method of developing theories, testing those theories and modifying, abandoning or creating new theories based on the results of testing. It contrasts the scientific approach with the pseudo-scientific methods offered by anti-evolutionists or creationists. It shows why religion and science can co-exist, but that some claims by creationists are just not supported by science.
Whether or not you consider yourself religious or non-religious, you owe it to yourself to understand the arguments for and against evolution. Particularly when the creationists seem so determined to deny educating our children about evolution.
Don't believe it? Read the book.
September 10, 2009
I had the pleasure to meet coauthor Paul Strode on a flight and ended up reading this book after our chat. I think this book conveys many important points about what science is and is not, and is a much-needed rebuttal against the argument that evolution and creationism should be taught side-by-side--one that calls only on evidence, and not our own preconceptions of how biology works.
June 12, 2010
Offers good descriptions of what exactly Science and Pseudo-Science are.
July 13, 2016
Enlightening, mesmerizing, should be a school text book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews