" Covers both aspects of the controversy over neo—darwinism in a balanced way, perhaps as well it may be done by any authors... I strongly recommend this book as one of the most balanced ones written on this subject. " — Lennart Saari, Adjunct Professor of Wildlife Biology, University of Helsinki, Finland
"A superb book! Clear, understandable, impartial and intellectually honest. A great summary of the differing positions held by eminent scientists on the subject of evolution. I recommend it, without reservation, to any teacher or professor wanting to encourage students to think about this issue in a scientific manner." — Caroline Crocker, Ph.D. (Immunopharmacology), M.Sc. (Medical Microbiology)
"A help to students of science to appreciate the way scientists carry out their research and interpret the facts discovered... Opposing views are presented without bias, leaving the reader to arrive at his own conclusions." — Alan H. Linton, Emeritus Professor of Bacteriology, University of Bristol
"Combines good science with effective pedagogy. Instead of attempting to indoctrinate students, this text affirms the ability of students to engage in a rational scientific investigation of the relevant data as a means of developing their own understanding of the origin and function of life on Earth." — John E. Silvius, Senior Professor of Biology, Cedarville University
"Deals in a straightforward way with the "modern synthesis" of Darwin’s basic ideas and the genetic discoveries of the 20th century that combined to form the Neo-Darwinist theory of evolution. It gives the basic supporting evidence with easily understandable examples, well illustrated. Nevertheless the book also makes clear that no scientific theory, no matter how magisterial or imperious it appears to be, can be looked on as a "sacred cow" too numinous to be approached with anything less than awe. Such theories are challenges thrown out to the scientific community to research all evidence both in favor and against them." — Arthur Harrison, Professor Emeritus of Biology, University of Waterloo, Ontario
"An important resource in the classroom at secondary, undergraduate and graduate levels." — E. Stan Lennard, M.D., Sc.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, Ret., University of Washington
The purpose of Explore Evolution, is to examine the scientific controversy about Darwin's theory, and in particular, the contemporary version of the theory known as neo-Darwinism. Whether you are a teacher, a student, or a parent, this book will help you understand what Darwin's theory of evolution is, why many scientists find it persuasive, and why other scientists question the theory or some key aspects of it.
Sometimes, scientists find that the same evidence can be explained in more than one way. When there are competing theories, reasonable people can (and do) disagree about which theory best explains the evidence. Furthermore, in the historical sciences, neither side can directly verify its claims about past events. Fortunately, even though we can't directly verify these claims, we can test them. How? First, we gather as much evidence as possible and look at it carefully. Then, we compare the competing theories in light of how well they explain the evidence.
Looking at the evidence and comparing the competing explanations will provide the most reliable path to discovering which theory, if any, gives the best account of the evidence at hand. In science, it is ultimately the evidence-and all of the evidence-that should tell us which theory offers the best explanation. This book will help you explore that evidence, and we hope it will stimulate your interest in these questions as you weigh the competing arguments.