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A leading scientist examines the battle between evolution and Intelligent Design in America. At the dawn of the twenty-first century, the debate over Darwin's 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 Pennsylvania's landmark 2005 Dover evolution trial.
This critique of ID goes far beyond the scientific claims of the movement. To Miller, America's position as the world's leading scientific nation is 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.
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By: Kenneth R Miller
244 pages, B/w illus
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"
aEver since the publication of Darwinas "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 itas a good one. I highly recommend it.a
--Edward J. Larson, Pulitzer Prizeawinning author of "Evolution: The Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory"
aKen Milleras new book, "Only a Theory," is everything we have come to expect from hima 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!a
--Michael Ruse, author of "Darwinism and Its Discontents"
