How Science Works

Professor R John Ellis FRS is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, UK

Acknowledgements Preface: The Importance of Science Introduction: The Aim of This Book Part I: Two Ways of Explaining the World - Supernaturalism and Naturalism - The Incompatibility of Science and Religion - Further Reading List Part II: How Science Works - Nullius in Verba - Occam's Razor - Religious Belief amongst Leading Scientists - Uncertainty - The Importance of Defining Terms - Facts, Theories and Hypotheses - Science and Religion Compared - The Naturalistic Origins of Moral Values - Further Reading List Part III: Darwin's Theory of Evolution - Biodiversity - Adaptation - Possible Explanations for Biodiversity & Adaptation - The Early Life of Charles Darwin - Evolution by Natural Selection - Direct Observation of Natural Selection in Finches - Historical Context of the Idea of Natural Selection - Common Misconceptions about Natural Selection - Genetic Drift - Further Reading List Part IV: The Evidence for Evolution - Similarities at the Molecular Level - The Unity of Biochemistry - The Principles of Molecular Biology - The Tree of Life - Lateral Gene Transfer - The Origin of Eukaryotes - Similarities at the Anatomical Level - Direct Observation - Transitional Fossils - Logical Inference - Hierarchical Classification - Biogeography - Vestigial Structures - Further Reading List Part V: The Evolution of Eyes - One of Darwin's Difficulties - Light-Detection Structures - Plausible Evolutionary Possibilities - Genetic Control of Eye Formation - Further Reading List Concluding Remarks Definitions Suggestions for Discussion Topics