Springer Evolutionary Theory and the Creation Controversy

This book examines the history of evolutionary theory, explains its metaphysical and philosophical foundations, introduces the scientists involved, and discusses the rise of evolutionary theory against the background of Creationism and Intelligent Design. Review From the reviews:“Rieppel’s book fills a significant gap in the literature on creationism. … it is a scholarly consideration of the more subtle philosophical arguments underlying both legitimate science and ID. … the book provides a good intellectual perspective on the nature of scientific inquiry. Summing UP: Recommended. Large academic libraries, upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty.” (B. E. Fleury, Choice, Vol. 48 (9), May, 2011) From the Back Cover Evolutionary theory addresses the phenomenon of the origin and diversity of plant and animal species that we observe. In recent times, however, it has become a predominant ideology which has gained currency far beyond its original confines. Attempts to understand the origin and historical development of human culture, civilization and language, of the powers of human cognition, and even the origin of the moral and ethical values guiding and constraining everyday life in human societies are now cast in an evolutionary context. In “Evolutionary Theory and the Creation Controversy” the author examines evolutionary theory from a historical perspective, explaining underlying metaphysical backgrounds and fundamental philosophical questions such as the paradoxical problem of change, existence and creation. He introduces the scientists involved, their research results and theories, and discusses the evolution of evolutionary theory against the background of Creationism and Intelligent Design. About the Author Olivier Rieppel is the Rowe Family Curator of Evolutionary Biology in the Department of Geology at the Field Museum in Chicago and an Adjunct Professor of Biological Sciences at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He has published widely on the anatomy and evolution of living and fossil reptiles, as well as on the history and philosophy of biology.