Darwin's Cathedral: Evolution, Religion, and the Nature of Society

by David Wilson (Author), David Wilson (Author), David Wilson (Author)

New
Illustrated
2003
$20.36

Until recently, evolution and religion have been considered contending, irreconcilable theories of origin and existence. David Sloan Wilson takes the radical step of joining the two, while thinking of society as an organism, one in which morality and religion are adaptations.

Synopsis

Until recently, evolution and religion have been considered contending, irreconcilable theories of origin and existence. David Sloan Wilson takes the radical step of joining the two, while thinking of society as an organism, one in which morality and religion are adaptations.

$20.36

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 276
Edition: 2nd ed.
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Published: 01 Oct 2003
ISBN 10: 0226901351
ISBN 13: 9780226901350

Media Reviews

As always, Wilson writes well and clearly and in a stimulating and provocative style. The book is interesting and important, and there can be no higher praise. . . . I applaud the approach taken by Wilson, and I urge you to read Darwin's Cathedral. --Michael Ruse Science
Obviously, the main subject of Darwin's Cathedral--religion--is widely contentious. In addition, many of the subjects which Wilson draws to interpret religion--subjects such as group selection, adaptation, hypothesis testing, and how to 'do' science--are contentious among scientists. Discussions of these subjects tend to be partisan, oversimplified, and riddled with misstatements. A great virtue of Wilson's book is the scrupulous fairness with which he treats controversial matters. He is careful to define concepts, to assess both their range of applicability and their limitations, and to avoid posturing, misrepresentations, exaggerated claims, and cheap rhetorical devices. Thus, Wilson's book is more than just an attempt to understand religion. Even to readers with no interest in either religion or science, his book can serve as a model of how to discuss controversial subjects honestly. --Jared Diamond New York Review of Books

Author Bio

David Sloan Wilson is a professor of biology and anthropology at Binghamton University. He is the author of The Natural Selection of Populations and Communities and coauthor of Unto Others: The Evolution and Psychology of Unselfish Behavior.