Evolution as a Religion: Strange Hopes and Stranger Fears (University Paperback) - Hardcover

Midgley, Mary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 041639650X ISBN 13: 9780416396508

Publisher: Methuen, 1985

Synopsis

According to a profile in The Guardian, Mary Midgley is 'the foremost scourge of scientific pretensions in this country; someone whose wit is admired even by those who feel she sometimes oversteps the mark'. Considered one of Britain's finest philosophers, Midgley exposes the illogical logic of poor doctrines that shelter themselves behind the prestige of science. Always at home when taking on the high priests of evolutionary theory - Dawkins, Wilson and their acolytes - she has famously described evolution as 'the creation-myth of our age'. In Evolution as a Religion, she examines how science comes to be used as a substitute for religion and points out how badly that role distorts it. As ever, her argument is flawlessly insightful: a punchy, compelling, lively indictment of these misuses of science. Both the book and its author are true classics of our time.

About this title

About the Author

Mary Midgley (1919 - ). A philosopher with a special interest in ethics, human nature and science, Mary Midgley has a widespread international following for her work. Her latest book is Science and Poetry.

Review

Midgley is one of the most acute and penetrating voices in current moral philosophy. Her great gift is clarity, both of thought and, especially, of expression. . To follow her reasoning . is like watching a ballet dancer walking in the street: there is a litheness, a gracefulness, an ease of articulation, which attests to years of learning lightly worn.
–John Banville, The Irish Times

A graceful, refreshing and enlightening book, applied philosophy that is relevant, timely and metaphysical in the best sense.
– The New York Times Book Review

Edition details

• Publisher: Methuen
• Publication date: 1985
• ISBN 10: 041639650X
• ISBN 13: 9780416396508
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 180