Charles Darwin (eBook)

Michael Ruse is Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy, Florida State University. The author of many books, including The Philosophy of Biology and Taking Darwin Seriously, he is also the founder and editor of the journal Biology and Philosophy. He has appeared on "Quirks and Quarks" and the Discovery Channel.

List of Figures.

Preface.

1. Charles Darwin.

2. On the Origin of Species.

3. One Long Argument.

4. Neo-Darwinism.

5. The Consilience: One.

6. The Consilience: Two.

7. Humans.

8. Knowledge.

9. Morality.

10. Religious Belief.

11. The Origins of Religion.

12. The Darwinian Revolution.

Bibliography.

Index

"A major voice in Darwinian scholarship ... .Ruse excels. His
writing style is clear, calm and non-technical. ... This work
would appeal to many non-specialist readers. Instead of preaching
to the converted, Ruse appeals to the uncertain reader and shows
the extent (and therefore the limits) of Darwinian thinking ...
.Ruse has certainly presented a notable work." (Metascience,
July 2009)

"This volume is written in a very accessible style. It would
make an ideal textbook for a seminar on evolutionary biology
attended by both biologists and philosophers." (The Quarterly
Review of Biology, June 2009)

"Ruse a professor of philosophy at Florida State University
highlights the philosophical impact of Darwin's work and
legacy addressing many of the theological and ethical issues and
implications that continue to fuel debate today." (San Diego
Union Tribune, April 20, 2009)

"Quite usefully and skillfully applied to addressing the vast
role of Darwin's work in evolution as it applies to science,
philosophy, and society. The book is ... well written and
engaging both in style and content. I very much like the author's
approach in this work because his efforts serve as far more than
just a recounting of Darwin's life ... .I highly recommend this
excellent account of Darwin and how his life his interests and his
world all came to help focus a keen intellect on resolving one of
the prime mysteries of science. This book would serve not only
college audiences of science students but also those studying
philosophy." (Science Books and Films, December 2008)

"Ruse (Florida State) is an outstanding authority on Darwinism,
a founder of modern evolutionary biology, and an important player
in the evolution-creationism controversy. Ruse's new book is an
authoritative, readable history of the philosophy of the theory of
evolution as proposed by Darwin. Recommended." (CHOICE,
October 2008)

"Currently [Blackwell Great Minds] follows its
outstanding way with the present edition of Charles Darwin by
Michael Ruse ... .Ruse is an important figure in the
Evolutionary Biology and Evolutionary Thought. With no doubt the
book can be greeted as an outstanding work on the study and reading
of Darwin in [an] enriching framework." (Metapsychology)

"Michael Ruse needs no introduction to anyone who has read about
the philosophy of biology or the controversies surrounding
Darwinism over the past three-and-a-half decades. ... Various
strands of Ruse's study and thought are brought together here in a
single, updated, moderate-length volume that addresses general,
serious-minded readers, as well as students, who wish an
introductory overview of Ruse's understanding of Darwinism."
(Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews)

"This is a very good, and a very enjoyable, book. The is
conversational, lively and well-informed. Ruse has a real gift for
conveying the gist of an idea intelligently and effectively and
with integrity as well as verve."

- Peter Loptson, University of Guelph



"If you want to understand Darwinism and what it implies about
nature, human nature, knowledge, morality and religion, this book
is an unparalleled introduction and resource."

- Richard A. Richards, University of Alabama

"Michael Ruse is a superstar among scholars interested in Darwin
and Darwinism. If you want the big picture from a brilliant,
hard-thinking scholar, Ruse is the obvious choice."

- Joseph Cain, University College, London