Customer Reviews

The Triumph of Evolution: and the Failure of Creationism

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3 star:		(10)
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1 star:		(9)

 

 

Eldridge's book is primarily for the "already converted" (of which I am one) who are convinced that evolution occurred. His book gives a cursory overview of the arguments that creationism uses against evolution, but his book really breaks no new ground in this argument. What he states in this book has been already stated numerous times by other authors. Perhaps it is because there doesn't seem to be any NEW arguments for creationist theory (unless you count Behe's molecular irreducible complexity hypothesis). However, from one of the pre-eminent "deans" of evolutionary theory, I would have thought that he would have given more specifics from the scientific literature, including discoveries of feathered dinosaurs, amphibian transitional fossils with gills AND lungs, and the step-by-step transitions of land mammals to whales. I was hoping for more details about new findings on the lineage of hemoglobin, and the development of the clotting cascade and krebs cycle (of which Behe is so fond of)... Eldridge describes in adequate detail the evolutionary lineage of humans, but most of his rebuttal arguments for evolution and the facts supporting it are are very general. Instead of explaining how isotopic dating works, he merely states in essence that "scientists have done it and it works". When explaining the nuances of horse evolution, he summarizes by telling us that individual species got bigger and some of their toes got smaller. He does not show us... only tells us this happened and then trusts us to believe him and scientific data.

Unfortunately, this may not work well in the popular literature. Many other books attacking evolution have relied on statistic after statistic showing the improbability of the origins of life from naturalistic resources, and have drawn on many sources from the scientific literature that supposedly show the validity of their cause. Ultimately, most of their statistics are erroneous, and often their quotes form the literature are out of context. However, the sheer volume of "scientific literature" that they use (if inaccurately) often sways the decision of the reader. Niles Eldridge shows examples where he has been deliberately misquoted by creationists with their own agendas, but without more detailed analyses of data supporting evolution, people may just give up and say "the data support intelligent design" because more hard data, even if erroneous, was offered by creationists.

Eldridge's book is well worth reading as an overview of the arguments against creationism, and a primer on the political aspects of creationism. However, more comprehensive scientific data for evolution can be found in "Scientists Confront Creationism" by Godfrey, and "Finding Darwin's God" by Miller.

Being a Christian I read this book with the intention of understanding what evolutionists believe more accurately. The snippets of quotes from creationist literature didn't provide me with enough material in context to understand scientific ideas (I didn't think). I was correct.

This book really explained some things to me that I didn't understand before, like how the Linnaean classification system fit within evolution and how punctuated equilibrium was explained. It also gave some answers to the creation scientists' claims (gaps in the fossil record, "kinds" reproducing, etc).

This said, I was actually very happy with the book until I came to Chapter 7, "Can We Afford A Culture War". For a paleontologist (who ostensibly is interested only in communicating "good science") to explain the role religions of the world have in saving the environment and how we can all live together in peace and harmony seems to me a bit of a stretch. I think he should have stuck to the subject.

The author is rightly disturbed by the way creationists discuss several different fields of specialty during a debate when the scientist on the other side of the issue can only discuss his or her specialty. Of course you wouldn't expect a biologist to discuss the fossil record - that's the job of a paleontologist. Yet this is exactly what the author does in chapter 7 - he plays the role of philosopher and theologian by explaining how outmoded the "narrow minded" evangelical Christians will continue to hold back the "true" religion of the universalist.

I would recommend this book to creationists and others sans that last chapter. I also like the new formatting style of leaving a line between paragraphs - much easier on the eyes.

I was dissapointed with this book. I was looking for a good book that could really make the case for evolution over creationism. (I am a firm believer in evolution but wanted the book for a creationist friend.) However, instead of really stepping through the logic, the author rests on claims that this issue or that issue has already been thoroughly proven. Although I don't disagree with the author, it hardly makes a compelling case for people who don't already believe in evolution.

I was looking forward to reading this book when I ordered it. However, I was very disappointed in it once it arrived. As a professional biologist and an evolutionist, I found Elderidge's arguments weak and unconvincing. He missed many modern examples of transitional species such as feathered dinosaurs like Protoavis. At times, his argument seems too passionate for scientific discourse. I also got the impression that this book was an advertisement for his up-coming book on "god", which he mentioned at least 5 - 10 times throughout the text. I guess I expected more from one of the "big names" in the field.

Eldridge may have been motivated by the opportunity to lay to rest an absurd battle, but he has also chosen to use this book as an excellent introduction to scientific enquiry and the fascinating process by which the theories of evolution are developed. A worthy read for anyone who is interested in scientific progress and evolutionary theory over the past two-hundred years. And a very worthy read for anyone interested in non-scientific challenges that must be combatted, especially in the on-going unilateral war against science education in public schools.

Eldridge is eminently clear about the battle lines: science v. biblical literalism. (See review above for a vision of what our collective future might be. Ouch!) He does not underestimate his opponent, although he is happy to give them a good ribbing where needed. In angrier hands, this book might have been nothing more than vindictive, but Eldridge maintains a pretty level head; I suppose twenty years of debate against fundamentalists would foster patience. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, as it augers well for the future our public education system might enjoy, and encourages readers to lead the way.

Non-creationist critics of this book, several of whom seem to have science Phds, need to remind themselves that this book wasn't written for them.. Their knowledge of evolution is assumed, so they should feel complimented. Rather, the book was written for the general reader, and as such it rates a major success in my opinion.. Eldredge uses clear and readable language to inform the public of the parameters and points of contention that exist between creationists and evolutionists, and then proceeds to logically demonstrate the unquestionable cogency of evolution versus the dead end of creationism.. No where in the book does he do this more effectively than in the chapter about hominid endocranial advances in size and shape, leading in a smooth progression to modern homo sapiens.. Eldredge is correct to call this progression of skulls "creationism's worst nightmare". Creationist critics of this work would do well to remember the adage "science deals with unanswered questions and fundamentalism deals with unquestioned answers", or words to that effect.. We can only hope their kids read this book, in order that they launch their educational journey from the firm foundation of the scientific method..

Finally! An author who is not afraid to tell it like it is. We've been up on our toes, dancing around this issue, wasting time and energy for far too long. Time to get down in the trenches and slug it out with the forces of compulsory ignorance.

As the author states early on, the intellectual debate between evolution and creationism was settled in the 19th Century. Evolution won. So why does the "debate" linger?

Eldredge puts his finger on it nicely: Creationism is a part of a political movement designed to tear down the wall of separation between government and religion, pure and simple. He makes no bones about the characters involved, either, and I especially liked his reporting on the likes of GOP House Majority Whip, Tom DeLay and his Right Wing Evangelical ambitions to forge a Fundamentalist Christian Nation (my interpretation, read for yourself.)

Fact is, most main-stream Christian, Jewish and Islamic sects have no qualms with evolution (Buddhists certainly don't), realizing perhaps, that acceptance of the science does not make one a traitor to his Faith. But some people...

I highly recommend this book, especially for anyone who is going to have to wrestle with these issues, enforced ignorance, and maybe with creationists themselves, not only in the classroom, but in School Board, PTA and other organizations working with the public schools, if not in every day situations in private life.

Not only is this a clear and concise summary of the facts and plain truth of evolutionary science, it is nothing less than a primer on how to deal with the irrational folks whose ideas about "science" simply take one's breath away.

Arm yourselves, America! Buy the book. The Theocrats want to mold the minds of our children; who will stop them if not concerned and informed teachers, administrators, parents and grandparents?

If you are confused by the creation-evolution arguments, this book does an excellent job of presenting the picture in simple layperson terms. This is not a heavy duty philosophically tome, but many who are confused just want the situation spelled out in simple terms. He clearly makes the case that creationism, which is a Fundamentalist belief, has no scientific grounds to stand on. He shows that the failure of creationism lies in its premise that you start with a religious belief and try to find proof for it. This is the exact opposite of the scientific method. He also clearly shows how scientists simple go where the data leads them, they have no agenda to prove or disprove anything. If you want a book that is easy reading and informative about the issue, this is it.

The author's summary of evolution, along with his presentation of the historical evolution of that theory, presents the disparate elements in a very concise manner. The short text of the book (<200 pages) provides a clear view of where the theory of evolution started and where it is now. Any reader should appreciate Dr. Eldredge's understanding of the science along with his ability to communicate that understanding. Geared towards the "casual" scientist's interests, this book is a fine accomplishment and an engaging read.

At first, I was somewhat put off by the attacks on creationist dogma. Although its presence in the title is more distracting than the instances throughout the book, I felt the book's function as an overview of evolution would be more useful than as a rebuttal to the beliefs of a subset of the religious community. Presenting the facts clearly should be enough to defend evolution. However, seeing other readers' reviews, I'm reminded that a battle exists, and it must be addressed along with any presentation of the theory itself. While it would be correct to be put off by a book on physics or geometry that felt the need to address religious beliefs -- sciences that are inexplicably left alone by the religious community -- it's unavoidable with a book on evolution or biology. One area of science is demonized over others that follow the same principles. Because of this, evolutionists are forced to defend themselves, too often, not against their peers but against laymen.

As the external battle spills over to book reviews, I'm reminded of some of the benefits of excessive scrutiny pointed out by Dr. Eldredge. Although this scrutiny generally comes from scientists themselves in order to work out the thesis/antithesis/synthesis of ideas, external scrutiny may be no less productive to drive science forward.

Read the book. It's quick, thorough, and inexpensive. Above all, it's a very readable presentation of a very important science.

...It seems that those who have written previous reviews would disagree with me, but as far as I'm concerned, Edlridge's "Triumph" was far from disappointing. He does an excellent job of refuting all the tired old Creationist arguments, and was a breath of fresh air for those of us who have had little prior exposure about the details of America's Evolutionist/Creationist debate. I also saw this book as a chilling wake-up call to the future of Science education in the United States; when are people finally going to wake up and realize that trying to smother the teaching of Evolution in our childrens' schools is hardly going to get them anywhere? Nowhere in the world is this "debate" as wide-spread as it is in North America. This book is an absolute must for anyone seeking to truly understand Evolution, and to be filled in on all the age-old, nonsensical Creationist arguments which seem so intent upon burning Science education at the stake.