sparkedFew scientific ideas have changed our view of ourselves as profoundly as Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. In Simply Darwin, philosopher of science Michael Ruse offers an accessible introduction to Darwin's life, his groundbreaking ideas, and the scientific revolution they set in motion. From Darwin's voyage aboard the Beagle and his observations of plants and animals to the publication of On the Origin of Speci...

Philosopher of science Michael Ruse is an influential and provocative voice in current debates on biology, religion, and ethics. This collection brings into one volume representative samples of the broad range of Ruse's oeuvre, as represented in his academic books, mainly from post-2000. Ruse's writings in this period are gathered under seven headings, each with five readings: -Atheism, Belief, and Faith -Darwinism, Belief, and Religion -Darwin, Darwinism, and Darwinian Thought -Progress a...

When it comes to relating Christianity to modern Western culture, perhaps no topic is more controversial than the relationship between Christianity and science.Outside the church, the myth of a backwards, anti-science Christianity is very common in popular culture and can poison the well before a fruitful dialogue can begin. Within the church, opposing viewpoints on the relation between Christianity and science often lead to division.Three Views on Chri...

"The book is full of empathetic, insightful, and often very funny portraits of Margulis, Lovelock, and a community of other figures associated with Gaia." —Carla Nappi, New Books in Science, Technology, and SocietyIn 1965 English scientist James Lovelock had a flash of insight: the Earth is not just teeming with life; the Earth, in some sense, is life. He mulled this revolutionary idea over for several years, first with his close friend the novelist William...

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 bring...

“An excellent sprint through the highlights of Darwin’s life and work. Ruse is a masterful writer who presents a clear account of who Darwin was and why he was important. It’s the connection to larger questions of our lives that makes this book a success. Well done, Ruse!”—Joe Cain, Professor of History and Philosophy of Biology, University College LondonSimply Darwin tells the story of Charles Robert Darwin (1809–1882) and his theo...

Over the last decade, "New Atheists" such as Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, and Christopher Hitchens have pushed the issue of atheism to the forefront of public discussion. Yet very few of the ensuing debates and discussions have managed to provide a full and objective treatment of the subject. Atheism: What Everyone Needs to Know provides a balanced look at the topic, considering atheism historically, philosophically, theologically, sociologically and psychologically. Written in an...

Michael Ruse provides a new analysis of the often troubled relationship between science and religion. Arguing against both extremes – in one corner, the New Atheists; in the other, the Creationists and their offspring the Intelligent Designers – he asserts that science is undoubtedly the highest and most fruitful source of human inquiry. Yet, by its very nature and its deep reliance on metaphor, science restricts itself and is unable to answer basic, significant, and potent questions about...

A brief, accessible history of the idea of purpose in Western thought, from ancient Greece to the presentCan we live without the idea of purpose? Should we even try to? Kant thought we were stuck with purpose, and even Darwin’s theory of natural selection, which profoundly shook the idea, was unable to kill it. Indeed, teleological explanation—what Aristotle called understanding in terms of “final causes”—seems to be making a comeback today, as both religious propo...

This book provides a unique discussion of human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint, looking at the facts and interpretations since Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man. Michael Ruse explores such topics as the nature of scientific theories, the relationships between culture and biology, the problem of progress and the extent to which evolutionary issues pose problems for religious beliefs. He identifies these issues, highlighting the problems for morality in a world governed by natura...

There is a widespread assumption that the universe in general, and life in particular, is 'getting more complex with time'. This book brings together a wide range of experts in science, philosophy and theology and unveils their joint effort in exploring this idea. They confront essential problems behind the theory of complexity and the role of life within it: what is complexity? When does it increase, and why? Is the universe evolving towards states of ever greater complexity and diversity...

An accessible modern guide to Darwin's masterworkCharles Darwin's Origin of Species is one of the most widely cited books in modern science. Yet tackling this classic can be daunting for students and general readers alike because of Darwin's Victorian prose and the complexity and scope of his ideas. The "Origin" Then and Now is a unique guide to Darwin's masterwork, making it accessible to a much wider audience by deconstructing and reorganizing t...