Synopsis
EVOLUTION - FACT OR THEORY? The theory of evolution is assessed from a philosophy of science, mind and ethical perspective. By assessing the philosophical thinking that lies behind and in evolution, the author comes to novel insights, e.g. is Darwin an empiricist or empirical in approach? The current confusion between fact, theory and hypothesis as well as the issue of chance, goal and reductionism is clarified. The idea that evolutionary theory is a determinist system is challenged. The continuity between humans and nonhumans involving thinking and self consciousness id highly regarded , e.g. in issues like The value of human and nonhuman life, ethics and extraterrestrial intelligence. After evaluating Wilson, Ardrey and Dawkins the author argues why evolution need not make ethics obsolete. The author looks anew to the issue of religion and evolution as science. He concludes that the distinction between scientific and unscientific is not sufficient and proposes another solution.
About the Author
BACK COVER PHOTO WORDS Alex Antonites is professor emeritus in the Department of Philosophy, University of Pretoria, South Africa. Before this he lectured for many years. His field of speciality is philosophy of science in which his main focus area is the theory of evolution. Other areas are philosophical anthropology, philosophy of mind, animal ontology and ethics . Apart from having a DPhil in Philosophy, he also has the BD degree in theology. He was and still is study leader and co-study leader for many master degree and doctoral students. He lectured in philosophy of science, bio-ethics, philosophy of mind logic and critical thinking. He published many articles in academic journals and gave many papers on international and national conferences. He is a member of the South African Academy of Sciences and several academic societies. He served for many years on the editorial staff of the South African Journal of Philosophy and is still member of the editorial staff of the philosophy journal, Phronimon. During the XX1st World Congress of Philosophy in Istanbul, he represented South Africa on the FISP meeting. He served on the council of the Viktor Frankl Institute for many years. He is coordinator of the SETI (Search for extra terrestrial intelligence) - League for South Africa. Apart from others, he in 2009 received the Orville Green Service Award from the SETI League. He is married with three children and two grandchildren. He visits the student gymnasium regularly a week.
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