Darwin, God and the Meaning of Life: How Evolutionary Theory Undermines Everythi

Description: Darwin, God and the Meaning of Life by Steve Stewart-Williams Examines the implications of evolutionary theory and evolutionary psychology for some of the most important philosophical questions. FORMAT Hardcover LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description If you accept evolutionary theory, can you also believe in God? Are human beings superior to other animals, or is this just a human prejudice? Does Darwin have implications for heated issues like euthanasia and animal rights? Does evolution tell us the purpose of life, or does it imply that life has no ultimate purpose? Does evolution tell us what is morally right and wrong, or does it imply that ultimately nothing is right or wrong? In this fascinating and intriguing book, Steve Stewart-Williams addresses these and other fundamental philosophical questions raised by evolutionary theory and the exciting new field of evolutionary psychology. Drawing on biology, psychology and philosophy, he argues that Darwinian science supports a view of a godless universe devoid of ultimate purpose or moral structure, but that we can still live a good life and a happy life within the confines of this view. Notes Examines the implications of evolutionary theory and psychology for some of the most important philosophical questions. Author Biography Steve Stewart-Williams is a lecturer in evolutionary psychology at Swansea University. Before taking this position, he did his PhD at Massey University in New Zealand, and then did a postdoctoral fellowship at McMaster University in Canada. His research and writing covers a diverse range of topics, including the placebo effect, the philosophy of biology, and the evolution of altruism and mating behaviour. Table of Contents 1. Darwin and the big questions; Part I. Darwin Gets Religion: 2. Clash of the Titans; 3. Design after Darwin; 4. Darwins God; 5. God as gap filler; 6. Darwin and the problem of evil; 7. Wrapping up religion; Part II. Life After Darwin: 8. Human beings and their place in the universe; 9. The status of human beings among the animals; 10. Meaning of life, RIP?; Part III. Morality Stripped of Superstition: 11. Evolving good; 12. Remaking morality; 13. Uprooting the doctrine of human dignity; 14. Evolution and the death of right and wrong. Review Steve Stewart-Williams explains how evolutionary thought challenges many deep-seated assumptions about God, morality, and human superiority and raises significant questions about such things as euthanasia, suicide, and the way we treat non-human animals. While it has become commonplace for many to equate Darwins legacy with the stripping away of the moral and the good and to replace it with unpalatable Darwinist alternatives that advocate amorality, nihilism, and a world where might makes right, Stewart-Williams carefully and entertainingly shows that, on the contrary, the world after Darwin remains meaningful, wondrous, and intrinsically moral. Stephen Hill, Massey University This is an important, accessible, and timely book for anyone wishing to understand the implications of evolutionary theory for standard views of human nature, morality and religion. Stephen Boulter, Oxford Brookes University "Steve Stewart-Williams explains how evolutionary thought challenges many deep-seated assumptions about God, morality, and human superiority and raises significant questions about such things as euthanasia, suicide, and the way we treat non-human animals. While it has become commonplace for many to equate Darwins legacy with the stripping away of the moral and the good and to replace it with unpalatable Darwinist alternatives that advocate a morality, nihilism, and a world where might makes right, Stewart-Williams carefully and entertainingly shows that, on the contrary, the world after Darwin remains meaningful, wondrous, and intrinsically moral." --Stephen Hill, Massey University "This is an important, accessible, and timely book for anyone wishing to understand the implications of evolutionary theory for standard views of human nature, morality and religion." --Stephen Boulter, Oxford Brookes University "....If you are a broad thinker, you will really enjoy Stewart-Williams work...." --David W. Boles, memeingful.com "....Stewart-Williams leverages the "God of the gaps" argument in addressing the many models that have been put forth to explain evolutionary theory within the context of a universe directed on some level by supernatural forces.... Essential...." --J.A. Hewlett, Finger Lakes Community College, CHOICE "....This book is clearly written and vigorously argued. It covers a lot of ground.... This book would be fine for an introductory undergraduate course. The discussion is a bit more focused and systematic than recent New Atheist books...." --Guy Kahane, University of Oxford, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews "...terrific tome.... If you are interested in formulating a comprehensive and defensible worldview, one that accepts our scientific understanding of how life evolved, then this book provides a sound basis for your further deliberations and quests in a wide range of disciplines.... This book deserves a place in every atheists library." "This important, well-written, incisive post-doctoral work addresses the consequences - for philosophy, religion, morals and ethics - of taking Darwin seriously. It is the kind of holistic treatise on Darwinian (r)evolution that its author has been seeking to read." --Dierk von Behrens "...Darwin, God and the Meaning of Life is a trailblazing advancement of the application of scientific values to traditionally metaphysical questions. Stewart-Williams presents his arguments clearly and concisely, making the book accessible, informative, and enjoyable. While certain to spark debate, this book is a valuable step in opening up the grand questions of life to the realm of scientific inquiry and reason." --Christopher W. Land and Todd K. Shackelford, Oakland University, Evolutionary Psychology, "Darwin, God, and the Meaning of Life is a welcome addition to the literature on belief and disbelief. It is clearly written and highly readable." --George Lazaroiu, PhD /IISHSS, New York, Review of Contemporary Philosophy Review Quote "This is an important, accessible, and timely book for anyone wishing to understand the implications of evolutionary theory for standard views of human nature, morality and religion." --Stephen Boulter, Oxford Brookes University Promotional "Headline" Examines the implications of evolutionary theory and evolutionary psychology for some of the most important philosophical questions. Description for Bookstore Is religion compatible with evolution? Is religious faith intellectually flawed? Steve Stewart-Williams addresses these and other fundamental questions raised by Darwins theory of evolution. Drawing on philosophy, biology and the exciting new field of evolutionary psychology, he makes a strong case for a naturalistic, atheistic view of the universe. Description for Library Is religion compatible with evolution? Is religious faith intellectually flawed? Steve Stewart-Williams addresses these and other fundamental questions raised by Darwins theory of evolution. Drawing on philosophy, biology and the exciting new field of evolutionary psychology, he makes a strong case for a naturalistic, atheistic view of the universe. Details ISBN0521762782 Publisher Cambridge University Press Year 2010 ISBN-10 0521762782 ISBN-13 9780521762786 Format Hardcover Author Steve Stewart-Williams Media Book Short Title DARWIN GOD & THE MEANING OF LI Language English DEWEY 231.765 Imprint Cambridge University Press Subtitle How Evolutionary Theory Undermines Everything You Thought You Knew Place of Publication Cambridge Country of Publication United Kingdom Pages 352 Publication Date 2010-09-30 Birth 1971 Affiliation University of Wales, Swansea Audience College/Higher Education UK Release Date 2010-09-30 AU Release Date 2010-09-30 NZ Release Date 2010-09-30 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:34571064;

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