From one of America's best-known biologists, a revolutionary new way of thinking about evolution that shows "why, in light of our origins, humans are still special" (Edward J. Larson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Evolution). Once we had a special place in the hierarchy of life on Earth--a place confirmed by the literature and traditions of every human tribe. But then the theory of evolution arrived to shake the tree of human understanding to its roots. To many of the most passionate advocates for Darwin's theory, we are just one species among multitudes, no more significant than any other. Even our minds are not our own, they tell us, but living machines programmed for nothing but survival and reproduction. In The Human Instinct, Brown University biologist Kenneth R. Miller "confronts both lay and professional misconceptions about evolution" (Publishers Weekly, starred review), showing that while evolution explains how our bodies and brains were shaped, that heritage does not limit or predetermine human behavior. In fact, Miller argues in this "highly recommended" (Forbes) work that it is only thanks to evolution that we have the power to shape our destiny. Equal parts natural science and philosophy, The Human Instinct makes an "absorbing, lucid, and engaging...case that it was evolution that gave us our humanity" (Ursula Goodenough, professor of biology at Washington University in St. Louis).

Miller is a believer, but he is also certain that we evolved - and this book is about why the two are not mutually exclusive; in fact, the idea of each enriches the other. There is an enormous market out there for whom this issue is of real interest and import. Much of contemporary thought on evolution has centered on the mistaken assumption that evolution requires a strictly materialist view of the origins of all organisms - including human beings. This book will debunk that myth, arguing that the real world is less certain and far more interesting than either the scientific mainstream or creationists assume. Properly understood, evolution adds depth and meaning not only to a strictly scientific view of the world, but to a spiritual one, as well. Readers will find this fascinating, very clear, incisive, exciting, and thoughtful. This should sell like Gould and Wilson-brilliant, cutting-edge thinking.

An inspiring book about the power and the passion of science
Few have weighed in on the nation's contentious debate over evolution as effectively as Kenneth R. Miller. In "Only a Theory," Miller-the highly regarded scientist who offered expert testimony at the 2005 trial over the teaching of evolution in Dover, Pennsylvania-eloquently shows how "Intelligent Design" collapses at the very moment one begins to take it seriously. Miller shows that the attack on evolution is a broader assault on the skepticism and reason that have fueled America's remarkable scientific advances, and offers an encouraging prescription for how we can save the nation's "scientific soul" to which we owe so much.

Six acclaimed scholars-including a biologist, a sociologist, a historian, a philosopher, and a physicist-examine the evolution debate. Eighty-one years after America witnessed the Scopes trial over the teaching of evolution in public schools, the debate between science and religion continues. In this book scholars from a variety of disciplines-sociology, history, science, and theology-provide new insights into the contemporary dialogue as well as some perspective suggestions for delineating the responsibilities of both the scientific and religious spheres. Why does the tension between science and religion continue? How have those tensions changed during the past one hundred years? How have those tensions impacted the public debate about so-called "intelligent design" as a scientific alternative to evolution? With wit and wisdom the authors address the conflict from its philosophical roots to its manifestations within American culture. In doing so, they take an important step toward creating a society that reconciles scientific inquiry with the human spirit. This book, which marks the one hundredth anniversary of The Terry Lecture Series, offers a unique perspective for anyone interested in the debate between science and religion in America.