Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design in Atheists and Skeptics

Dec 02, 2007 Robu-sensei rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2007, skepticism, biology

Why Darwin Matters, by well-known skeptic author Michael Shermer, is an excellent introduction to the science, and lack thereof, behind the "controversy" between evolution and "Intelligent Design" (ID) creationism that has jeopardized science education in the USA. Those who are seeking an in-depth criticism of current ID arguments, however, will find this book lacking in particulars.

Shermer begins with a concise survey of what evolution really is, and masterfully sets the historical stage in wh Why Darwin Matters, by well-known skeptic author Michael Shermer, is an excellent introduction to the science, and lack thereof, behind the "controversy" between evolution and "Intelligent Design" (ID) creationism that has jeopardized science education in the USA. Those who are seeking an in-depth criticism of current ID arguments, however, will find this book lacking in particulars.

Shermer begins with a concise survey of what evolution really is, and masterfully sets the historical stage in which evolution is pitted against Christian fundamentalism. He accurately pinpoints the major logical fallacies characteristic of ID creationists' arguments, and briefly surveys the "best" arguments put forth in favor of ID, touching on the flaws in each. Finally, he reveals some disturbing facts about the true motives of the ID movement. All in all, the book is beautifully organized and extremely well written.

Nonetheless, it is not until the Coda—after the Epilogue—that Shermer drives home the central argument against ID, that it is scientifically vacuous: "The problem with the supernatural explanations of Intelligent Design is that there is nothing we can do with supernatural explanations. They lead to no data collection, no testable hypotheses, no quantifiable theories: therefore, no science." Moreover, Shermer does an admirable job explaining the key role of evolution in modern biology, yet somehow fails to mention its enormous potential to improve human health, as geneticists and molecular biologists have already begun to unravel the secrets of the human genome, drawing crucial information from the genomes of the chimpanzee and other animals. To the average American, that's why Darwin matters.

The battle-hardened scientist or science teacher already embroiled in the "controversy" will learn little from Why Darwin Matters—but will still enjoy reading it. And for any up-and-coming defender of science, this book makes a perfect springboard from which to explore the politico-religious phenomenon of ID in greater depth.
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Oct 23, 2013 Mark Gowan rated it liked it

Shermer has in the past presented ideas in an entertaining and inquisitive way. However, I think that that while this book certainly puts forward a clear argument why ID (Intelligent Design) fails, it does so with the caveat: there might still be something...

Shermer is not an atheist, but an agnostic, and this book does not go the full route against Intelligent Design. That being said, the book is easy to read, and in the same style as Shermer's other excellent books such as Why People Believe W ...more

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Oct 14, 2008 James rated it really liked it

This was a very interesting primer on the evolution vs. intelligent design debate. It provides good talking points to arm yourself with if you plan to enter a debate with a creationist.

It is interesting that the intelligent design movement is just a warmed over version of creationism that is trying to pose as scientific. Their main strategy so far has been to refute evolution. They do not have any research or evidence to back up any of their claims.

The whole creationist mind set is based on an ...more

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Jan 16, 2010 Meen marked it as to-read

Shelves: religion-spirituality-atheism, not-so-social-science

Science is a philosophy of discovery. Intelligent design is a philosophy of ignorance. - Neil deGrasse Tyson

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Jan 31, 2008 Kitty rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-and-science-related

Comprehensive review of the current (2005/2006) situation of the Evolution vs. ID debate. Lots of useful info, good quotes and ideas for future reading. Very enjoyable, didn't want to put it down, finished it in a couple days. ...more

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