Book Reviews
Kefyn M. Catley in Science Education
(2006, vol. 90, no. 4, pp. 764-766)
Let me say at the outset that this is
quite an extraordinary book, and one I predict is destined
to become a classic. Eugenie Scott brings to bear her
encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the conflict,
passion for the subject, and deep understanding of the
legal framework tempered by her long involvement as
Executive Director of the National Center for Science
Education. This work provides a well-balanced synthesis
of the complexities of science, religion, jurisprudence,
and education as they pertain to understanding the continuing
dichotomy between evolution and creationism. Perhaps
its greatest strength, however, is that all this information
is so expertly brought together under one cover. ...
This book provides a great service to the science community.
There is much here for readers at all levels, from high
school students and their teachers to university students
and their professors, and yes, even for creationists.
I recommended the book highly as a text or supplemental
book for nature of science, science and society, or
high school science methods courses.
Book Description
Almost eighty years after the Scopes
trial, the debate over the teaching of evolution continues
to rage. There is no easy resolution--it is a complex
topic with profound scientific, religious, educational,
and legal implications. How can a student or parent
understand this issue, which is such a vital part of
education? Evolution vs. Creationism provides a badly
needed, comprehensive, and balanced survey. Written
by one of the leading advocates for the teaching of
evolution in the United states, this accessible resource
provides an introduction to the many facets of the current
debate--the scientific evidence for evolution, the legal
and educational basis for its teaching, and the various
religious points of view--as well as a concise history
of the evolution-creationism controversy.
Each of the four sections of Evolution vs. Creationism
provides a resource that will assist the reader in better
understanding these issues. The first section addresses
the nature of how evolution works as part of the scientific
enterprise, as well as a summary of the relationship
between religious beliefs and science. A section on
the history of the controversy provides a handy synopsis
of the lengthy struggles, from before Darwin to the
present day, between advocates of creationism and the
proponents of evolution. A collection of primary source
documents addressing cosmology, law, education, and
religious issues from all sides of the debate constitute
the third section. The book concludes with a selection
of resources for further information for those who wish
to study the topic in more depth.
Please consider joining our book
discussion and reading group!
Evolution
vs. Creationism: An Introduction
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