DARWIN'S DANGEROUS IDEA: EVOLUTION AND THE MEANINGS OF LIFE Reprint Edition

by Daniel C. Dennett (Author)

177 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0684824710

ISBN-10: 068482471X

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In a book that is both groundbreaking and accessible, Daniel C. Dennett, whom Chet Raymo of The Boston Globe calls "one of the most provocative thinkers on the planet," focuses his unerringly logical mind on the theory of natural selection, showing how Darwin's great idea transforms and illuminates our traditional view of humanity's place in the universe. Dennett vividly describes the theory itself and then extends Darwin's vision with impeccable arguments to their often surprising conclusions, challenging the views of some of the most famous scientists of our day.

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

One of the best descriptions of the nature and implications of Darwinian evolution ever written, it is firmly based in biological information and appropriately extrapolated to possible applications to engineering and cultural evolution. Dennett's analyses of the objections to evolutionary theory are unsurpassed. Extremely lucid, wonderfully written, and scientifically and philosophically impeccable. Highest Recommendation!

From Publishers Weekly

Dennett's philosophical argument in support of Darwinism was a National Book Award finalist.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product details

Paperback: 586 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition (June 12, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 068482471X
ISBN-13: 978-0684824710
Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 177 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #92 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Philosophy > History & Surveys
- #121 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > History & Surveys
- #261 in Books > Textbooks > Science & Mathematics > Biology & Life Sciences

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Consciousness fans

4.3 out of 5 stars

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Mike Morgenstein

An advanced evolutionary journey

February 4, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Although a 521 page book, I felt as if I read a 900+ page book. This is probably because I frequently reread through sections for a more concise understanding. My caveat: do NOT autopilot (not pay attention) when reading because you will find yourself lost. Can have things been explained more feasibly? Maybe, maybe not but I don't think that is up for my judgement so I will not reflect that in my rating. As a 20 year old accounting student, i'm sure its viable that I haven't seen many inquiries on these subjects before. Luckily, if you get lost at some point you're not doomed for the rest of the book. Different chapters and even sections take upon new topics, almost fully unrelated to the one before. I gave the book a 5/5 because I found many sections to be intellectual engaging. I can remember when sitting down in the backyard outside my grandparent's house, with a view of just grass and a golf course, I was a brain-frying 20+ pages deep that day when I happened to finish the chapter. I put the book down, smiled, and lightly uttered the words "damn" as I laid there on the lawn chair for a few minutes. I was happy because knowledge is a gift, and this book had a whole lot to supply. When I read this book I sort of felt out of touch with general society, in a sort of rewarding and intellectual way. The author, Daniel Dennett, is ostensibly intelligent and well-researched. He challenges many popular theories and ideologies with prudent insight. Many notable figures are talked about, such as Darwin of course, John Maynard Smith, Chompsky, Gould, Alan Turing, Aristotle, Dawkins, Skinner, etc, just to name a small few.

4.6/5

12 people found this helpful

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Pieter Reyneke

Even I Have a Better Understanding of the Theory Now.

August 2, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I am a simpleton. My biology grade was something to blush about, and if I had this book 40 years ago when I was studying the basics of biology I would have tried for an A plus. This book not only explains but educates on so many levels.

Daniel C. Dennet is a great author and I compliment him on this book.

It is not only a great read, but children should be reading it as soon as they can grasp these concepts.
I can recommend this book as one of the greater books I have studied, because you not only read this book.

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Amazon Customer

One of the most important books of my life.

December 6, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This would be my "desert island" book. One of the most important books of my life. I would never want to be without a copy of it. I never really understood thhe ramifications of evolution until I read this book.

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More a critique than anything else

December 28, 2007

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

To fully grasp Dennett's arguments in "Darwin's Dangerous Idea", lots of preparatory reading is required on various authors and topics including, but not limited to: Stephen Jay Gould whom the author targets his most scathing criticisms of, Gould's colleague, Richard Lewontin, American linguist and philosopher, Noam Chomsky, mathematical physicist, Roger Penrose, cognitive scientist, Jerry Fodor, adaptationism and gradualism, reductionism, saltationism, memetics etc. Dennett spends little time in introducing the reader to the works of these authors and their ideas, and instead, debunks anything and everything that attempts to weaken Darwin's natural selection theory.

In a heated and publicized exchange resulting largely from Dennett's attack on Gould with an entire chapter of "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" devoted to discrediting him, Gould, who is considered the foremost authority on espousing the views on evolution called Dennett a "Darwinian Fundamentalist" who has reduced biological and cultural evolution to a largely mindless algorithmic process.

Dennett introduces two new metaphors of cranes and skyhooks which he uses repeatedly in his arguments. Cranes are the lifting mechanisms facilitating the design of organisms. They are grounded and explainable. Skyhooks are imaginary, unsupported and supposedly capable of advancing organisms in leaps and bounds in unexplainable ways. Dennett morphs some of the ideas of his detractors into skyhooks, and because skyhooks cannot exist, they have to be either falsehoods or reduced to cranes.

The subtitle of "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" is "Evolution and the Meanings of Life", but throughout the 500 plus pages, Dennett dabbles in hostile territory, unapologetically attacking critics of natural selection as the primary engine of evolution. Perhaps this book should have been divided into two parts; one titled "Evolution and the Meanings of Life", and the other, "Duel of the Titans."

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Multiverse

Includes philosophical, historical, mental, linguistic, ethical and morality arguments denying religions.

December 14, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This was an enjoyable book. Maybe a bit difficult or lengthy for some readers. Dennett covers the full range of topics, but also includes philosophical, historical, mental(mind), linguistic, ethical and morality arguments (or proofs) for concepts of real existence and religious delusions.

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HHOMedia

Great reflection on Darwin and his theory of evolution by natural selection

August 9, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

A phenomenal read. Dan Dennett is a philosopher, yet he blends evolutionary theory into this book and does it well. Great read for anyone interested in Darwin, evolution, philosophy or religious impact on science.

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Sky Hook

The Importance of Darwin

July 11, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

The most important scientist was Darwin as he has changed our view of the world such that it fits into the universe. Because Dennett is more than a philosopher he can understand the significance of the gene concept and the organization of RNA, and DNA.

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Zachary Howard Azeez

Thoroughly enjoyed this advanced philosophical exploration of Darwinism.

December 3, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Great balance of judgement, discerning and detailed. If you have read some more entry level books on Darwinism and are hungry for something more subtle and intricate, I have no doubt you will enjoy this thoroughly. A classic on my shelf of Darwinism, atheism, and philosophy in general.

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