How can we tell the story of life without distorting it?
How can we tell the story of life without distorting it?
Evolution, Metaphysics
What is the nature of life? Scientists turn to natural selection, genes or adaptation to explain the living world, but much of the imagery used to present evolution threatens to distort our understanding of the incredible history of our planet. There is no science without mythology, and the only way to reveal the facts is to understand the fictions.
The Mythology of Evolution exposes the seven spins given to evolutionary theory, each resting upon an ideological interpretation of an otherwise neutral idea. There are myths of progress and destiny, such as the "ladder of progress" and only the strong survive. There are stories magnifying the significance of genes such as the "selfish gene" or "kin selection". There are more grandiose myths such as "survival of the fittest" and the infamous "intelligent design". All relate to a final myth – that of "science as truth".
By liberating evolution from these misrepresentative stories, we can find a more nuanced vision of life that shows how advantages persist, trust is beneficial, and the diversity of species emerges from a refinement of possibilities made possible by a chain of inheritance that stretches back to the beginnings of life itself.
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Chris Bateman offers in this book a set of myths(metaphors or stories) which he suggests are at the base of evolutionary theory as currently understood, believed and explained by specialists...We should be grateful to him for his close examination of terms that are commonly used in traditional evolutionary theory without examination and also for the alternative views which he presents. ~ Edward James, Paradigm Explorer
The Mythology of Evolution is a commendable book. It is an accessible read, but with a firm basis in science and philosophy, and a vision of current and future intellectual struggles that seems fair and hopeful. I believe the book will be most appealing to those people (religious or not) who already value freedom and peace above the authority to proclaim truth. ~ Oscar Strik, Sub Specie
This readable and insightful work restores sanity and reasonableness to philosophical reflection on evolution. Bateman carefully separates what is illuminating from what is misleading in the various metaphors and myths that have dominated evolutionary discourse... Scientists, philosophers and other intellectually interested readers will profit immensely from reading and reflecting on this thoughtful book.
~ John F. Haught, Landegger Distinguished Professor of Theology at Georgetown UniversityThis book explores the many ways that extra-scientific metaphors, or myths, both color and constrain our view of evolution. Bateman shows that alternative myths are equally consistent with the data, but present a very different image of the evolutionary process. ~ John O. Reiss, Professor of Zoology & Department Chair Evolutionary and Developmental Morphology, Humboldt State University
A book that’s badly needed and could be revolutionary. Bateman doesn’t just describe evolutionary theories but digs out their imaginative roots. He shows how essential it is to understand our myths properly since myths are not lies but powerful visions that can shape all our perceptions. This matters; read it! ~ Mary Midgley, Philosopher and Author of 'Beast and Man' and 'The Myths We Live By'
In The Mythology of Evolution, Chris Bateman explains why ID and other creationist proposals are not science. But Bateman also has little tolerance for atheists who use evolution to argue against religion. If you want a thoughtful assessment of where evolution stands as a scientific theory, read this book. ~ Francisco Ayala, University Professor and Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine
