Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin is irrefutably the architect of modern evolutionary biology. Yet Darwin’s The Origin of Species is more than just a biological theory. It is a set of principles that portend tremendous philosophical impact beyond the limits of natural science. Darwin’s theory begs examination conceptually –to determine how it is structured and how it makes its claims. And because Darwinian assumptions extend to humankind, they must also be thoroughly scrutinized for ethical and epistemological implications. Michael Ruse, well–known authority on the history and philosophy of Darwinism, offers here the definitive work on the philosophical nature and impact of Darwin’s thought. This engaging text is not just a spring board for theoretical debate, but also a treatise that tackles head on many of the controversial anti–Darwin sentiments and suppositions asserted by believers of the Creationist movement. Using clear, non–technical language, Ruse has much to say about the status of evolutionary thought as a genuine theory, the philosophical implications of Darwinism, and the modern naturalistic explanations of religion.

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

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.

"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 )