Richard Dawkins: How a Scientist Changed the Way We Think : Reflections by Scientists, Writers, and PhilosophersAlan Grafen, Mark Ridley With the publication of the international bestseller The Selfish Gene some thirty years ago, Richard Dawkins powerfully captured a newly emerging way of understanding evolution--a gene's eye view. Dawkins went on to publish five more bestselling books, including The Blind Watchmaker and Unweaving the Rainbow. He is one of the most high profile public intellectuals today and any attempt to understand the scientific view of the world must grapple with his ideas. Now, in this exciting collection of original essays, some of the world's leading thinkers offer their take on how Dawkins has changed the way we think. Readers will find stimulating pieces by Daniel Dennett, the renowned philosopher of mind and author of Darwin's Dangerous Idea; Steven Pinker, the brilliant Harvard linguist who wrote The Language Instinct and The Blank Slate; Matt Ridley, author of the bestselling Genome; and James Watson, who with Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA, arguably the greatest scientific discovery of the last century. Dawkins' widely admired literary style forms the subject of several pieces, including one from novelist Philip Pullman (author of the bestselling His Dark Materials trilogy). As one of the world's best known rationalists, Dawkins' stance on religion is another theme in this collection, explored by Simon Blackburn, Michael Ruse, Michael Shermer, and the Bishop of Oxford. Numbering twenty in all, these articles are not simply rosy tributes, but explore how Dawkins' ideas have shaped thinking and public debate, and include elements of criticism as well as thoughtful praise. Richard Dawkins' work has had the rare distinction of generating as much excitement outside the scientific community as within it. This stimulating volume is a superb summation of the depth and range of his influence. |
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Richard Dawkins: How a scientist changed the way we think Alan Grafen,Mark Ridley Limited preview - 2006 |
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adaptations algorithms alleles altruism animal argued arguments arms races believe biology Blind Watchmaker brain Cambridge cells cognitive complex concept conflict cooperation copy critics cultural Darwin Darwinian Dennett ENDNOTES environment essay evolution evolutionary biologist evolved example explain Extended Phenotype female Gould group selection Hamilton human Huxley ideas inclusive fitness individuals intelligence interests J. B. S. Haldane kakapo kin selection logic look males mate material gene mathematical means meme memetic mentalistic metaphor mind natural selection nest offspring one’s organisms Oxford University Press parasites parents paternity philosophical predators predictions problem progress propagandum question reading The Selfish reason religion replication reproduction Richard Dawkins scientific scientists Segerstråle Selfish Gene sense sequence sex ratios sexual Sociobiology species sperm Stephen Jay Stephen Jay Gould Synthesis theory things tion transmission Trivers understanding unit of selection W. D. Hamilton Wilson words writing