Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction (Paperback)

by Eugenie C. Scott (Author), Niles Eldredge (Foreword) "We live in a universe made up of matter and energy, a material universe..." (more)
Key Phrases: truth without certainty, equal time for creation science, guppy color, New York, United States, Supreme Court (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“[N]otable for its coverage of the history of the creationist movement and its presentation of the past and current legal issues surrounding the controversy. With creationists continuing to mount court challenges to the teaching of evolution, the currency of this work is crucial for libraries trying to keep up with developments....Many libraries may not own creationist books or journals, so this new title is an excellent way to provide access to that literature while keeping it in a scientific, scholarly context....Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers.”–Choice

“Starred Review The executive director of the National Center for Science Education, which advocates the teaching of evolution in U.S. schools, has written a valuable manual to the debate. It includes a section on evolution as part of the scientific process, a history or creationism, primary source materials from both sides, and a list of further resources.”–Library Journal

“Regardless of ones personal perspective, this book is a valuable contribution to the literature in evolution and creationism. Virtually any reader will find something of interest within its pages. It will surely raise the dander of some and bring delight to others a quality possessed by many a good book.”–Science in Christian Perspective

“At last a book that both Henry Morris, of the Institute for Creation Research, and Niles Eldredge, a prominent scientist, can agree upon! Eugenie Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education, is an articulate and engaging author. She has written a book suitable for a wide audience: high school and college students, teachers, and nonspecialized general readers. The book is comprehensive, treating scientific evidences for evolution, religious views, and a history of the so-called evolution- creation controversy. It is a best buy for school and college libraries.”–Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith

“Scott, a physical anthropologist, runs the National Center for Science Education, which defends the teaching of evolution in high schools. (She advised the parents fighting the Dover school board.) Scott be said to be the one doing God's work as she patiently rebuts people who make most other scientists spit gaskets like short-circuiting robots. Her book is both a straightforward history of the debate and an anthology of essays written by partisans on each side. Its main virtue is to explain the scientific method, which many invoke but few describe vividly. Scott also manages to lay out the astronomical, chemical, geological and biological bases of evolutionary theory in unusually plain English.”–The New York Times Book Review

“The executive director of NCSE provides a comprehensive and balanced introduction to the many facets of the current debate--the scientific evidence for evolution, the legal and educational basis for its teaching, and the various religious perspectives--as well as a concise history of the evolution/creationism controversy. Recommended.”–School Library Journal

“[S]peaks directly to the reader in an energetic, engaging manner and explains material ranging from biological and earth sciences to the philosophy of science....[a]n insightful must-have for students and teachers from high school and beyond and a "should-read" for interested laypersons.”–Science Books & Films

“The author, executive director of the National Center for Science Education, has done an outstanding job presenting background to the tension between evolution and creationism. In addition to carefully explaining science and evolution to her reader, she has also accomplished a long-needed task of describing the full range of "creationists" such that the reader can see and understand the history, politics, and range of views in this complex cluster of beliefs....Highly recommended for any library whose readers range from the general public to teachers or experts in field of evolution. Understanding the sides in an ever-lasting political battle is crucial, and this book helps that understanding.”–E-Streams

“[A]n excellent resource for any science teacher....Teachers who engage in this scholarly book will come away with a deep and valuable understanding of the scientific and social implications of the creationist movement....[a]n excellent tool for teachers who are questioned by students and parents about the evolution-creationism convtroversy....Teachers will have a hard time finding a more comprehensive overview of the evolution-creationism controversy.”–NSTA recommends

“With the evolution vs. creationsism debate as an issue today, this thorough overview of the contributors and theories wil be a welcome addition to the high school collection....Science and social studies classes will find a wealth of background information for research projects. This informative work provides the reader with a clear, insightful summary of the complicated issues and viewpoints surrounding the evolution/creationism debate. Recommended.”–Library Media Connection

“In view of the ongoing controversy over how life began and how this question should be approached within the classroom curriculum, this timely volume provides a clearly organized and comprehensive overview of both evolution and creationism. Although there is no shortage of recent books dealing with various aspects of the controversy, this volume is unique becuase it offeers a thorough exploration of all perspectives related to each theory, examining both from a historical, legal, educational, political, scientific, and religious point of view....An excellent resource for research reports of for debate preparation this title would be a useful tool for teachers as well.”–VOYA

“[L]ooks at the controversy from historical, legal, education, political, scientific, and religious perspectives, something no other single book does.”–Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal Skeptical Inquirer

“Evolution vs. Creationism [i]s an ideal introduction to the concepts of evolution and creationism. Methodical, adhering to the highest standards of academic research, and superbly organized in its presentation....Strongly recommended for both school and community library collections, Evolution vs. Creationism is significantly enhanced with ten pages of "References for Further Study;" as well as a Name Index and a Subject Index.”–Internet Bookwatch

“Perhaps someday schools in the US will catch up to those in other developed countries and treat evolution as a normal scientific subject. Before that happens, though, people need to understand evolution, and also understand the creationism and evolution controversy. Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction is a step towards this goal, and readers will indeed learn a great deal about the scientific, religious, educational, political and legal aspects of this controversy.”–Niles Eldredge The American Museum of Natural History From the Foreword --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
Almost eighty years after the Scopes trial, the debate over the teaching of evolution continues to rage. There is no easy resolution--it is a complex topic with profound scientific, religious, educational, and legal implications. How can a student or parent understand this issue, which is such a vital part of education? Evolution vs. Creationism provides a badly needed, comprehensive, and balanced survey. Written by one of the leading advocates for the teaching of evolution in the United states, this accessible resource provides an introduction to the many facets of the current debate--the scientific evidence for evolution, the legal and educational basis for its teaching, and the various religious points of view--as well as a concise history of the evolution-creationism controversy.
Each of the four sections of Evolution vs. Creationism provides a resource that will assist the reader in better understanding these issues. The first section addresses the nature of how evolution works as part of the scientific enterprise, as well as a summary of the relationship between religious beliefs and science. A section on the history of the controversy provides a handy synopsis of the lengthy struggles, from before Darwin to the present day, between advocates of creationism and the proponents of evolution. A collection of primary source documents addressing cosmology, law, education, and religious issues from all sides of the debate constitute the third section. The book concludes with a selection of resources for further information for those who wish to study the topic in more depth.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (October 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520246500
• ISBN-13: 978-0520246508
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,641 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

194 of 220 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nature of Science, July 15, 2004

By	Scott M. Kruse "Biophysical Geographer" (Fresno, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction (Hardcover)

Eugenie Scott explains the nature of science: Science is guided by natural law, is explanatory by reference to law, is testable against the empirical world, is always tentative and subject to revision and is falsifiable. Creationism is an act of faith without testing and fails the nature of science.

What many do not understand is that there is 1) no general all-purpose scientific method, 2) science is not only about experiments, 3) science is not invulnerable to fraud, 4) science can never provide final or absolute truth and 5) there are questions that science cannot answer. Science never proposes an irrefutable hypothesis such as "God did it!" Science accepts what cannot otherwise be disproven - and keeps testing, always looking for the defects and failures.

Following Garrett Hardin's method of taking the opposite view, Ms. Scott makes a concerted effort on behalf of "Intelligent Design" and creationism proponents. The ID folks refuse to allow Ms. Scott to quote from their published materials, contrary to the norms of open and democractic discussion.

The nature of science is that science is an act of nonfaith and is always subject to further testing. Science can never rely on the supernatural. There is no conflict between science and creationism. There is only a conflict in the minds of those who only rely upon the supernatural and faith.

Ms. Scott presents a credible, easy to read and understand discussion. This book belongs in the hands of every K-12 and university educator, minister, school board and the general public.

47 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A History of the Creationism/Evolution Controversy, September 8, 2004

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction (Hardcover)

Evolution vs. Creationism by Eugenie C. Scott (Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education and former president of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists) is an ideal introduction to the concepts of evolution and creationism. Methodical, adhering to the highest standards of academic research, and superbly organized in its presentation, Evolution vs. Creationism is organized into three major sections: Science, Evolution, Religion, and Creationism; A History of the Creationism/Evolution Controversy; and Selections from the Literature. Evolution vs. Creationsim is informed and informative reading for both students and non-specialist general readers. Strongly recommended for both school and community library collections, Evolution vs Creationism is significantly enhanced with ten pages of "References for Further Study; as well as a Name Index and a Subject Index.

63 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Invaluable Introduction, August 11, 2004

By	Lawrence S. Lerner "lslerner" (San Mateo County, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction (Hardcover)

The public-school science curriculum is always an attractive target for screwballs, medical quacks, pseudoscientists, religious extremists, and people with fringe political agendas. What better way to get one's views accepted than to convert impressionable youngsters?

Among the many movements that have tried to substitute their views for real science, none are more prominent or better known in the United States than the creationists.

There are several species of creationists, and they have evolved over the years, racing to keep ahead of court decisions that have recognized increasingly sophisticated and slippery pseudoscientific assertions as veiled sectarian religion.

No one is better qualified to explain the history, content, PR activities, and legal maneuverings of creationism than Dr. Eugenie Scott, the longtime director of the National Center for Science Education. NCSE is the resource center for scientists, educators, and their allies who have rallied to defend their state or local science curricula from the unceasing incursions of creationism. So, of course, Dr. Scott knows the territory - probably better than anyone else.

There are many books describing creationism. Written from the standpoints of both creationists and their critics, these books have covered the field from the perspectives of history, science, religion, philosophy, law, and politics, among others. What Dr. Scott has endeavored to do in this book is to cover the field from all these perspectives and more, at a level friendly to the newcomer to the issue as well as to high-school and college students. She has succeeded in this admirably, and has also created a resource for the "old hand" who can use it as a refresher, a summary, and a source of references to many more specialized works.

Dr. Scott is eminently fair, in that she sets forth the various creationist arguments (as well as their rebuttals) with accuracy and honesty. For the most part, she does so by extensively quoting the authors themselves. Because her reputation for fairness and honesty is well known in the creationist community, she has been able to obtain permission for these extensive quotes. The exception to this is the new gang on the block - the intelligent design creationists (IDCs) who have denied permission to quote from their copyrighted materials. Even there, however, she has paraphrased their writings with impeccable accuracy and fairness.

For those who want a clear, reliable, expert introduction to the creationist movement - teachers, students, school officials, scientists, pastors, politicians, or lawyers - Evolution vs. Creationism is indispensable. And it's a good read, too!