Deep Structure of Biology, The
Details and Description
Description
Twelve renowned scientists and theologians offer penetrating insights into the evolution dialogue in The Deep Structure of Biology. Each considers whether the orthodox model of evolution is sufficient and offers his/her own perspective on evolution and biology. Essays include:
- Chance and Necessity in Evolution
- Green Plants as Intelligent Organisms
- Canny Corvoids and Political Primates: A Case for Convergent Evolution in Intelligence
- Social and Cultural Evolution in the Ocean: Convergences and Contrasts with Terrestrial Systems
- Purpose in Nature: On the Possibility of a Theology of Evolution
Editor Simon Conway Morris provides the introduction and an overview of the issues as well as an essay on evolution and convergence. Other contributors are: Richard Lenski, George McGhee, Karl Niklas, Anthony Trewavas, Nigel Franks, Nicola Clayton, Nathan Emery, HalWhitehead, Robert Foley, Michael Ruse, Celia Deane-Drummond, and John Haught.
The discussion of biology and evolution in these essays broadens the scope of the traditional evolution discussion as it aims to stimulate the development of further research programs. Scholars in the science and religion field will find this book a valuable resource.
Table of Contents
Introduction / vii
Simon Conway Morris
1. Chance and Necessity in Evolution / 3
Richard E. Lenski
2. Convergent Evolution: A Periodic Table of Life? / 17
George McGhee
3. Life’s Evolutionary History: Is It Determinate or Indeterminate? / 32
Karl J. Niklas
4. Evolution and Convergence: Some Wider Considerations / 46
Simon Conway Morris
5. Aspects of Plant Intelligence: Convergence and Evolution / 68
Anthony Trewavas
6. Convergent Evolution, Serendipity, and Intelligence for the Simple Minded / 111
Nigel R. Franks
7. Canny Corvids and Political Primates: A Case for Convergent Evolution in Intelligence / 128
Nicola S. Clayton and Nathan J. Emery
8. Social and Cultural Evolution in the Ocean: Convergences and Contrasts with Terrestrial Systems / 143
Hal Whitehead
9. The Illusion of Purpose in Evolution: A Human Evolutionary Perspective / 161
Robert A. Foley
10. Purpose in a Darwinian World / 178
Michael Ruse
11. Plumbing the Depths: A Recovery of Natural Law and Natural Wisdom in the Context of Debates about Evolutionary Purpose / 195
Celia Deane-Drummond
12. Purpose in Nature: On the Possibility of a Theology of Evolution / 218
John F. Haught
Contributors / 233
Index / 237
Endorsements and Reviews
Reviews
Reports of the National Center for Science Education--Vol. 30, No. 6--N/D 2010
This book provides an accessible introduction to the discussion of contingency and convergence in evolution.
Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith—Vol. 62, No. 3
The contributors describe examples of convergence and explore possible metaphysical implications of an ordering of evolutionary processes beyond what is accepted within the neo-Darwinism paradigm. The editor hopes that convergence points to a theory of biological organization that succeeds where the synthetic theory of evolution fails. —Jitse M. van der Meer
CHOICE—Vol. 46, No. 1
Though many would describe evolution as random and nondirectional, Morris, a well-known Cambridge paleobiologist, argues for a much different perspective. In his 2003 book, Life’s Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe (CH, May’04, 41-5285), Morris employed a series of well-supported arguments in presenting a more deterministic view of the evolutionary process. Morris follows up with this collection of writings by 12 renowned scientists, philosophers, and theologians, who were invited to examine the significance of the ubiquitous character of evolutionary convergence. Although many of the traditional examples of convergence are presented, such as the evolution of wings and streamlined fusiform swimming morphologies, readers are challenged to expand their definition of convergence to include examples that may be more subtle. Hal Whitehead compares whales, elephants, and humans in his chapter on social and cultural evolution. Even though it certainly would not be a stretch to include chimpanzees and marine mammals in a discussion on the evolutionary convergence of intelligence, Anthony Trewavas devotes most of his chapter to an exploration of intelligence in plants. Morris has assembled a powerful collection of arguments that effectively challenge the nondirectional, random view of the evolutionary process. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above. —J. A. Hewlett, Finger Lakes Community College
Theology and Science—Vol. 7, No. 4
Even in an evolutionary age, the question of ultimate purpose remains open—and this collection is as good a place to begin its exploration as any.
Science and Christian Belief—Vol. 21, No. 1
This book is highly recommended. It is hugely erudite, generally lucid, and always thought provoking.
Translations
Asian-English