Evolution, Creationism, and Intelligent Design (Historical Guides to Controversial Issues in America) - Hardcover

Phy-Olsen, Allene S.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 031337841X ISBN 13: 9780313378416

Publisher: Greenwood, 2010

Synopsis

This work of historical exploration examines America's conflicts as it has attempted to maintain its founding principles of freedom of thought and separation of church and state, while nevertheless remaining the most traditionally religious of modern nations.

Evolution, Creationism, and Intelligent Design offers a comprehensive, unbiased history of this controversial issue, as well as a balanced presentation of the arguments central to a debate that remains one of the most divisive in American society. Centered around the importance of the issue to education in both the sciences and humanities, the book's chief concern is the relevance of the debate to America's public schools.

Beginning with an overview of the topic and its history, the book goes on to investigate Darwinism and the neo-Darwinian revolution as well as the applications of Darwinian theories in the social Darwinism and eugenics movements. It looks at theistic approaches to evolution; at arguments for and critiques of intelligent design; at religion, science, and the American courts; and at religion and science in the postmodern world. The two concluding sections, of special relevance to students are annotated listings of important personalities in the science-religion debate and an annotated bibliography.

About this title

About the Author

Allene Phy-Olsen, PhD, is professor emerita of Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN.

Reviews

Gr 10 Up–Phy-Olsen introduces this detailed enquiry into the historical and modern conflicts between science and religion by stating, “We have a problem!” She argues that the greatest losers in the debates among Darwinists, creationists, and proponents of intelligent design are America's public school children, who get stuck in the middle. The following chapters address the history of science and religion from ancient Greece through the Age of Reason; Darwin's work and the theory of evolution; and the use of Darwinism to support social programs like eugenics. They go on to discuss arguments for and against creationism and intelligent design, including major scientific and religious figures on both sides; major court cases involving the teachings in public schools; and the future of science and religion. Phy-Olsen retains a largely neutral stance, acknowledging the qualifications of experts on both sides, although slightly more weight is given to the proponents of evolution in reporting on court cases. She ends by suggesting that all students would benefit from more a comprehensive education in both science and the history of religion, and speculates about the future of religious education in schools. An appendix includes brief biographies of dozens of people mentioned in the text and a comprehensive annotated bibliography. An excellent choice for collections in need of material on this subject, and a good complement to Clay Farris Naff's Evolution (Gale/Greenhaven, 2005).–Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Greenwood
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 031337841X
• ISBN 13: 9780313378416
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192