Denying Evolution – Creationism, Scientism, and the Nature of Science

Denying Evolution Creationism Scientism and the Nature of Science

Denying Evolution aims at taking a fresh look at the evolution–creation controversy. It presents a truly "balanced" treatment, not in the sense of treating creationism as a legitimate scientific theory (it demonstrably is not), but in the sense of dividing the blame for the controversy equally between creationists and scientists — the former for subscribing to various forms of anti-intellectualism, the latter for discounting science education and presenting science as scientism to the public and the media. The central part of the book focuses on a series of creationist fallacies (aimed at showing errors of thought, not at deriding) and of mistakes by scientists and science educators. The last part of the book discusses long-term solutions to the problem, from better science teaching at all levels to the necessity of widespread understanding of how the brain works and why people have difficulties with critical thinking.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Funny and informative book!
I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I thought it was one of the most informative and funny educational science books I had ever read. The author wrote in a way that was interesting, intelligent and informative. What made this book easy to read was he was very opinionated but never sought blame on any one person or any one affiliation. Pigliucci also used humor and jokes about current events that made the book especially interesting to read. Therefore, it was easy to see both sides of the coin, and both sides of the debate. Overall, this was a fantastic book that I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about evolution and wants to learn more about their own beliefs.

4 Stars review
In the book Denying Evolution, the author, Massimo Pigliucci, says that "the ability to understand the world around us is perhaps the most precious thing we have" (pg 3). Pigliucci's purpose for writing this book is to educate the reader about the evolution controversy from a non-creationist point of view. He informs the reader how the controversy started, how things have changed over the years, and what is happening today concerning the evolution debate.

Pigliucci tells us that the argument started with evolutionary biologists in the 1800's, such as Darwin, Hooker, and Huxley. It was from these men that evolution became widely known and accepted. The more people that knew about the evolutionary theory, the more people there were that opposed it. Since then, there has been a battle between supporters Evolution and Creationists.

When first reading the title you might think this book is written in the point of view of a creationist or one who believes in an intelligent design. You might think it is about how "denying evolution" is the manner by which the controversy should be handled, but this is incorrect. Pigliucci seems to sway towards the evolutionist side and speak against the creationist views, pointing out their flaws. But in his debates and writings, Pigliucci says that he is not trying to convince anyone of anything. His goal is to plant a seed that will cause people to go to the library and look up what the evolution-creation issue is all about. His goal is primarily to educate. Pigliucci is concerned the most about how people would rather sit in front of a screen than "partake in some of humanity's greatest achievements."

Pigliucci does a great job in meeting his goals. Through the discussions he provides about the various views concerning evolution and creationism, one can learn a lot about this ongoing debate. He talked about how a lot of the debate develops because people are not properly educated. A lot of people have misconceptions about evolution and even science as a whole. He said that "science is not a body of knowledge(pg 127)," it's only a method used to find explanations to the observed environment. And just because people might not like what they believe to be the fruits of evolution, does not have any connection to the scientific validity of evolutionary theory (pg 162).

I enjoyed Pigliucci's writings because the readers are left to choose for themselves what ideas fit their beliefs. The book did not have an effect on my beliefs regarding the creation, I still feel that there is a Supreme Being and that the laws of science are directed under His laws.

5 Stars My brain's hemishperes duked it out over this book
This popular book is often a required reading assignment in many university classes. It is a wonderful reference book for any student who sits on either side of the evolution/creationist argument. Massimo Pigliucci, the author, attempts to state the case for evolution and science without bringing in emotional responses. Pigliucci wants the reader to utilize critical thinking in all aspects of life, including the creation of species.

Pigliucci thoroughly covers the creationists' argument, and spectrum of beliefs. He argues that the only thing creationists have in common is their hatred toward evolution, hence the title of this book. However, like any good teacher should, Pigliucci starts with the history of the subject. The first chapter is dedicated to the history of evolutionary thought. He places Darwin's role in the origin of the topic with his Origin of Species, his advertising, and its effect into the American culture. This leads to the great Scopes Monkey Trial, and following Supreme Court decisions which lead the creationists to abandon the term "creation" to the more "scientific" Intelligent Design (ID) so that creationism could now be taught in Biology class. However, not all creationists will even concede that much defeat, and any belief other than the literal interpretation of the Bible is leading to conflicts in the house of the creationists. One of the most famous ID theorists is Todd Moody, and he is mentioned throughout the book. His arguments as to why ID is a Science and should be taught in science class are all illogical and broken apart by Pigliucci. Moddy complains about the exclusion of ID in science class but Pigliucci aptly points out that "complaining about its exclusion would be like complaining to the baseball commissioner that one's football team is being discriminated against in the American League (p 68)." Pigliucci argues that ID's intent is not to introduce a scientific theory into high school classes, but a ploy to destroy materialistic thought.

Pigliucci sees the attack on evolution as part of a larger attack on intellectualism. He argues that an anti-intellectual movement is unorganized but has had a long history. When Americans feel economically comfortable, morals become a more important part of their life's and their votes, and they see intellectuals as amoral and cold. Americans seem to be fine with a quarterback being successful in society, but they have a hard time respecting expertise in education. This idea needs to be overcome and science (as well as other educational disciplines) needs to be better understood by the public. An entire chapter is dedicated to help common people understand the true nature of science, its limitations, as well as its alternatives. Creationists' fallacies about science are not brought on by lack of reason, but by a lack of understanding. Pigliucci addresses common fallacies, such as science being in turmoil because scientists don't always agree. This is what science is all about. There is meant to be discourse among scientists. This is how science grows, and is exactly why it is different from religion or ID. Scientists don't start out with the answer and look for evidence to support it. They come up with the most likely conclusion based on the present facts until other facts are discovered or other scientists come up with a better answer. There were many fallacies discussed that I have heard since grade school, and it was refreshing to hear such eloquent explanations for all of them. Pigliucci also takes on the three big controversies against evolution head on. The argument against the second principle of thermodynamics, evolution's lack of explanation for the origin of life, and the explanation of the Cambrian Explosion are the most common arguments given by creationists and each is individually explained. When I started reading this book I was leaning on the evolutionists side of the fence but after all the fallacies and the common arguments against evolution that I have heard my entire life were so easily explained and torn apart, I can now place my feet firmly on the Darwin soil.

Science isn't perfect, and Pigliucci will be the first to admit it, but the beautiful thing about science is that it is self correcting. You can't fool nature. Pigliucci sees nature as an independent arbitrator whose rules you have to play by. Science can be counterintuitive. A table being made up of mostly air is a hard concept to accept, and isn't the most logical explanation, but it is the correct one. However the brain is designed to jump to conclusions with little evidence (most likely through evolution Pigliucci suggests), and once the left side of the brain has come up with a conclusion, it is extremely difficult to change its mind. One of Pigliucci's final points is that you can't argue your way into convincing someone that evolution is the more rational choice. It is best to just plant seeds of doubt, and let the hemispheres of the brain fight it out. My left brain was slightly reluctant to give in, but after a good hard battle between the hemispheres I feel this book has changed my opinion for the better.

4 Stars Exhaustive and Pendatic
I am conflicted by Massimo Pigliucci's presentation and analysis of the evolution-creationism debate. The author's passion, commitment, and extensive knowledge of this controversy are obvious and commendable. His take home message about the implications and fundamental flaws of creationism are effective and memorable. Unfortunately I found his presentation and overall demeanor on the subject rather arrogant. Though his intended audience may not be "half the population that believes in a more or less literal reading of the Bible" they are the ones that ultimately need to be exposed to the practices of pseudo-science that define the creationist camp. I believe the author's approach may erode the shores of the very tenets he preaches from, such as academics stepping down from their ivory towers, and will likely fuel the anti-intellectualism that is rooted in this debate (274). That said, his challenge to scientist, students, and educators cannot be ignored, nor easily dismissed. Though readers like me may be perturbed by the overall personality of the book we cannot ignore the quantity and quality of his evidence. It is a book that has made me not only analyze my understanding of the debate but also develop an awareness of the fundamental issues that we will each likely face in our endeavors in scientific inquiry.

5 Stars Excellent Book
I bought this book for two reasons, the author is my professor and also, Pigliucci is incredibly good writer. For anyone looking to understand the creation/evolution wars and also evolution…this is a perfect introduction.

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5. Abusing Science – The Case Against Creationism
6. But Is It Science – The Philosophical Question in the Creation-Evolution Controversy, Updated Edition
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