The Implications of Evolution for Metaphysics

"Debates about biological evolution and its implications for theology are among the most important in the history of thought. Unfortunately, our thoughts about God after Darwin have usually suffered from an absence of clarity about what is the real issue. What the debates have always needed, but not always had, is the voice of a philosopher who keeps the conversations from straying into nonsense. David Gordon is such a voice. Readers of this fine book will find in it considerable promise of making progress in their own inquiries into the meaning of theistic faith after Darwin.--John F. Haught, Georgetown University Modern science has evolved in a way that there seems to be a conflict between science proper and anything beyond, including metaphysics and religion. Particularly the question of evolution has reached popular debates. This book explains in terms of history how this apparent conflict has emerged, it lays out out the basic assumptions of each of the directions, and--instead of clear cut 'solutions'--it proposes interdisciplinary dialogue and mutual understanding.--Paul Richard Blum, Loyola University Understanding biological evolution is one of the most significant breakthroughs of the modern period. Yet the field is frequently presented only by ""insider"" specialists, or by scientists (or theologians) who think that evolution and religion are at war and only one side (their own!) wins in the end. By contrast, Prof. Gordon here offers readers a calm, clear introduction to what evolutionary theory is, what it has established, and what it does not prove. Philosophical without being technical, this book is recommended for laypersons interested in science, theology, and evolution and their rich interrelationships.--Philip Clayton, Claremont School of Theology"