Darwin's Dangerous Idea - Evolutions and the Meanings of Life (Paperback, New Ed)

This contribution to the Darwin industry comes from an American professor who is in some ways a counterpart to our own Richard Dawkins, forcefully arguing the case that contends Darwin's 'great idea' (natural selection) is all you need to understand how evolution works. Dennett is above all a great communicator of enthusiasm about ideas. In this stunning book he provides an entertaining and illuminating synopsis of the various descendants of Darwinism. But, more importantly, he provides a philosophical analysis of the implications of Darwin's thought for every aspect of our lives. Dennett compares the consequences of Darwinism to 'universal acid', a fictional chemical which can eat through every vessel in which you try to contain it. Controversial topics such as punctuated equilibrium and sociobiology are discussed in their proper context, consciousness is explained, and our place in the universe is pondered. A massive, far-ranging book that will keep you intrigued throughout the long winter evenings. This brilliant exposition of the position known as ultra-Darwinism will surely become a classic. (Kirkus UK)

‘A brilliant piece of persuasion, excitingly argued and compulsively readable. Its lucid metaphors and charming analogies are reminiscent of The Origin of Species’ - James Moore in The Times Higher Education Supplement

‘Superb … Kicking off with an elegant discussion of Darwin and his antecedents … Dennett looks back at the origins of life and early evolution before getting fully into his stride with a devastating destruction of the anti-Darwinian case … This is the best single-author overview of all the implications of evolution by natural selection available … deserves a place on the bookshelves of every thinking person’ - John Gribbin in the Sunday Times

‘Dennett’s book brings together science and philosophy with wit, complex clarity and an infectious sense that these ideas matter, to us and the way we live now’ - A. S. Byatt in the Sunday Times Books of the Year

‘Why is Darwin’s idea "dangerous"? Because … it cuts through every cherished notion we hold in life, from the simplest to the most complex, from the most abstract to the most personal … a bold work … you will come away from Darwin’s Dangerous Idea sated and stimulated, whether or not you agree with its thesis’ - Roger Lewin in the New Scientist

‘A surpassingly brilliant book. Where creative, it lifts the reader to new intellectual heights. Where critical it is devastating. Dennett shows that intellectuals have been powerfully misled on evolutionary matters and his book will undo much damage’ - Richard Dawkins

‘This is a rich, tenacious book, and many will find their understanding of Darwin’s theory deepened by it’ - Galen Strawson in the Independent on Sunday

General

Imprint:	Penguin Books
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	September 1996
First published:	September 1996
Authors:	Daniel C. Dennett
Dimensions:	198 x 129 x 24mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	586
Edition:	New Ed
ISBN-13:	978-0-14-016734-4
Categories:	Books > Science & Mathematics > Science: general issues > Philosophy of science Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Evolution
LSN:	0-14-016734-X
Barcode:	9780140167344

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