Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #191504 in Books
• Published on: 1996-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 586 pages

Synopsis
Offers a wider perspective on Darwin's scientific theory of natural selection, explaining how it extends beyond biology, analyzing current controversies over the origins of life and inherent biases, and challenging popular philosophies.

Customer Reviews

Shakes cherished foundations
Well, when a reader has to call the author a "vile little fascist" to make his point (see Aug. 25 review), you know the book has shaken some cherished foundations of traditional wisdom. This book is one of the high points of human thought. Armed only with clean, sharp logic, it is a courageous venture into reality.

Applying acid and rebuilding with cranes
Dennett states his thesis unequivocally: "If I were to give an award for the single best idea
anyone ever had, I'd give it to Darwin . . ." Newton, Einstein, Galileo and Copernicus all
helped topple humanity from its self created egocentric pedestal. None of these, however,
had the universal impact of Darwin's idea of natural selection through change over time. The
mechanism of biological evolution, as Dennett points out, has spread to every science from
cosmology to atomic physics in a single century. This achievement demands we understand
the Idea fully. Dennett has provided us with inspiration to perform that study, offering us
excellent guidelines to assist in the task. This is an excellent and valuable book.

Dennett coins or adopts a few "catch phrases" to help us understand how the Idea works. In
presenting Darwin's thesis in a historical context, Dennett offers the term "universal acid,"
showing how "change over time" toppled firmly held beliefs. "Universal acid" has been
seized upon by numerous critics in the media arguing that Darwin's Idea eroded beliefs
without providing replacements. Dennett counters this charge, declaring that rigorously
investigated natural events will lead to the establishment of new, realistic values. He accepts
the comforting value of faith, but will not concede its insistence on possession of truth. Truth
is achieved by investigative effort, not granted by divine revelation.

He utilizes a familiar term, "algorithm" in explaining how the evolutionary process works
through the language of DNA. To Dennett, an algorithm is a "stupid piece of information"
since it does nothing itself. However, the algorithm is easy to understand and reliable in any
environment enabling it to perform. In evolution, algorithms represent the step by step
process through which groups of individuals become new species. Another of his terms, "the
crane," relies on the algorithmic idea, which are the foundation on which cranes rely. Cranes,
of course, are building tools. In evolution, cranes rest on previous conditions, building up
new forms through the adaptive process. It's a terribly slow and inefficient method, but over
time it works. The proof is that you're reading this now.

This book is a most thorough effort to address Darwin's idea in a philosophic framework.
Not a biological text, DDI urges us to reconsider our values in light of the realities Darwin's
Idea. Dennett want us to think logically and clearly without resorting to easy answers and
taking shortcuts in arriving at conclusions. He achieves this with finesse, tempered with a
fine wit to sustain our attention. It's a readable and challenging work, conveying meaningful
concepts for furthering human progress. More significantly, it's a most valuable work. Only
Darwin's Origin transcends it in impact on shaping values. In a world where Harry Potter
books are banned from churches for being "soft on witchcraft" and evolution is given short
shrift in public schools, it's clear that Dennett's theme requires greater attention.

A hugely satisfying intellectual work-out for your brain.
Dennett carefully sets out a masterful rebuttal to all those who feel that theories based upon substantiated evidence are somehow insufficient to explain the biological phenomena on this planet. He succeeds with a scholarly panache. He shows the beauty of evolution's algorithmic path and wittily demolishes any attempts to invoke the soul,the spirit world or any other irrelevant skyhook. What is important is to build one's theories from the ground upwards, to use cranes rather than these semi-creationist skyhooks. He is,like Richard Dawkins, captivated by his subject and he writes with similar gusto and verve. This is awe-inspiring stuff and you are left at the end both breathless and inspired.