Updated through current events, this second edition focuses on the great debates that have engaged, divided, stimulated, and provoked scientists and others to ponder the origins of humankind. The year 2009 marks the 200-year anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth. This timely update of The Evolution Wars draws on history, science, and philosophy to examine the development of evolutionary thought through the past two and a half centuries. It focuses on the great debates, including the 19th century clash over the nature of classification and debates about the fossil record, genetics, and human nature. Much attention is paid to external factors and the underlying motives of scientists. --from publisher description.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 689-701) and index.