Richard Dawkins anyone? Which is the best book on evolution? - (Oct/30/2006 )
Has anyone read Richard Dawkinks before?
What is your opinion of him as a writer?
Which is the best book on evolution there is out there to read?
Thanks to all in advance!
MM
Don't have much time for Dawkins. I think he's an arrogant XYZ, more interested in making a name and money than anything else (imho). A man who claims total understanding of something like evolution has clearly no real idea.
Who than according to you is a good writer on evolution?
And how is the science of Dawkins?
TIA
Modest Mouse
oh the guy from Oxford. i was able to read 2 of his books (The selfish gene and the Blind watchmaker), i think he is a good writer, and very straight forward.
the best book in evolution? of course..the classic "The Origin of Species" by Darwin
the best book in evolution? of course..the classic "The Origin of Species" by Darwin
I read now the book from Dawkins "The God Delusion" but it is not about evolution, but some advertisement here is okay
"The selfish gene" is a must for scientists interested in this topic and the other books from him are good books with unusual mode of approach, as mentioned. But he has a little bit hard view and fights for his convictions, not everyone likes it.
But my favorite is Ernst Mayr: "What Evolution is", absolutely fantastic and easy to read.
I haven't read Dawkins' work but I'm starting reading "Darwin's dangerous idea" by Dennett, who seems to share Dawkins position. I'm not sure I agree with all his points of view but at least he defends them passionately
I havent read his books, but was impressed by the documentary(video)
on faith, religion, God stuffs. May not please all!
I've read all Dawkins' books so far. I love his way of putting things straight.
I think that "The Blind Watchmaker" is a very good explanation of evolution for the non biologists.
The only books of Dawkins' that are even slightly scientific are "The selfish gene" and "Extended phenotype" both are rather good (if chatty) and introduced more or less new ideas to the field. Concerning his other books you have to remember that he is the professor for "public understanding of science" and that is why he writes those books and why he spends his time arguing against superstition instead of doing science.
If you want to learn about evolution what you should read depends on your prior knowlege. I find "The selfish gene" good for students more or less versed in molecular biology, while others have less propensity for the model of the selfish gene. With little knowlege before hand I think a more general introduction may be good. Though I haven't read "What Evolution Is" by Ernst Mayr I have heard good things and since it is a pocket introduction I would recommend a text book back-up to answer your questions and provide further reading. For example "Evolution" by Mark Ridley, it is a college text book though so beware the volume.
/M