Synopses & Reviews
A leading scientist examines the battle between evolution and Intelligent Design in America At the dawn of the twenty- first century, the debate over Darwins theory of evolution is nearly as contentious as it was in the notorious Scopes trial a century ago. Today, however, people who believe that evolution is only a theory have put their hopes in a concept known as Intelligent Design.
In Only a Theory, Kenneth Miller dissects the claims of the ID movement in the same incisive style that marked his testimony as an expert witness in Pennsylvanias landmark 2005 Dover evolution trial.
Unlike other books on the subject, Only a Theorys critique of ID goes far beyond the scientific claims of the movement. To Miller, Americas soulits place as the worlds leading scientific nationis at risk because of this struggle. As he explains, the tactics of this new assault on science mimic earlier efforts of the academic left to remake science as a relativistic, culturally determined enterprise, rather than a rational search for truth about the natural world. Such marginalization, he argues, would effectively destroy American science.
Despite this analysis, Miller refuses to play the role of pessimist. He sees this as a teachable opportunity, a moment at which public understanding and support for science can be redeemed, and offers nothing less than a prescription for how America can save its scientific soul.
Review
"In this powerfully argued and timely book, Ken Miller takes on the fundamental core of the Intelligent Design movement, and shows with compelling examples and devastating logic that ID is not only bad science but is potentially threatening in other deeper ways to America's future. But make no mistake, this is not some atheistic screed -- Prof. Miller's perspective as a devout believer will allow his case to resonate with believers and non-believers alike."
--Francis Collins, Director, the Human Genome Project and author of The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief
"Only A Theory is an original and perceptive examination of the causes and effects of the ongoing civil war over evolution in America. A wise and tested veteran of its front lines, Ken Miller makes the compelling case that there is much more at stake in this conflict than one scientific theory - the fate of America's hard-earned scientific prowess is in the balance. Readers are sure to be inspired by this passionate appeal to defend and nourish one of our most important institutions."
--Sean B. Carroll, author of The Making of the Fittest and Endless Forms Most Beautiful
Ever since the publication of Darwins Origin of Species 150 years ago, the public controversy over creation and evolution has been fought largely in books. For the past two decades, Ken Miller has been a prominent participant in that debate with his books and lectures. In Only a Theory, Miller takes up the cudgels again in a lively new book that persuasively argues for the theory of evolution, penetratingly critiques the claims for intelligent design, and explains why this dispute should matter to everyone. It may be only a book, but its a good one. I highly recommend it.
--Edward J. Larson, Pulitzer Prizewinning author of Evolution: The Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory
Ken Millers new book, Only a Theory, is everything we have come to expect from him informed, witty, and above all deeply serious about matters of concern to us all. He takes so-called intelligent design theory apart, piece by piece, showing it for the sham that it is. In its stead, Miller makes a very strong argument for the truth and beauty of evolutionary thinking and begs that we not keep this wonderful science from our children. Highly recommended!
--Michael Ruse, author of Darwinism and Its Discontents
Review
" Demolishes the assertions of advocates of Intelligent Design."
-The Baltimore Sun
" A grass-roots defense of good science education . . . a useful overview of a perilous political attack on the nature of science."
-P. Z. Myers, Nature
" Powerfully argued . . . Miller's perspective as a devout believer will allow his case to resonate with believers and non-believers alike."
-Francis Collins, Director, the Human Genome Project
Synopsis
A highly regarded scientist’s examination of the battle between evolution and intelligent design, and its implications for how science is practiced in America.
Synopsis
An inspiring book about the power and the passion of science Few have weighed in on the nation's contentious debate over evolution as effectively as Kenneth R. Miller. In Only a Theory, Miller-the highly regarded scientist who offered expert testimony at the 2005 trial over the teaching of evolution in Dover, Pennsylvania-eloquently shows how "Intelligent Design" collapses at the very moment one begins to take it seriously. Miller shows that the attack on evolution is a broader assault on the skepticism and reason that have fueled America's remarkable scientific advances, and offers an encouraging prescription for how we can save the nation's "scientific soul" to which we owe so much.
About the Author
Kenneth R. Miller is Professor of Biology at Brown University. His research work on cell membrane structure and function has produced more than 50 scientific papers and reviews in leading journals, including CELL, Nature, and Scientific American. Miller is coauthor, with Joseph S. Levine, of four different high school and college biology textbooks which are used by millions of students nationwide. He has received 5 major teaching awards. In 2007 he was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and received the Exploratorium's Outstanding Educator Award. He lectures widely and has appeared on NPRandrsquo;s Science Friday and The Colbert Report.
Table of Contents
Only A Theory Preface
One: Only a Theory
Two: Eden's Draftsmen
Three: Embracing Design
Four: Darwin's Genome
Five: Life's Grand Design
Six: The World That Knew We Were Coming
Seven: Closing the American Scientific Mind
Eight: Devil in the Details
Notes
Index