Selecting a Darwin

Abstract

Summarizes and evaluates four books that demonstrate the continuing vitality and relevance of Darwin’s work. Judges Ruse’s work a concise, reliable and learned introduction to Darwinian theory and its influence on subsequent thought in science, religion, and sociology. Briefly comments on Haupt’s study as a good example of a work highlighting the special quality of Darwin’s thinking, an unorthodox mixture of spirituality and scientific observation that led to his remarkable discoveries. Finds Levine’s book makes a similar argument in favor of Darwin’s special way of thinking. Notes how Levine situates this Darwinian view of life at the center of subsequent debates about the relative importance of nature versus nurture and biology versus culture in evolutionary theory. Sees Levine attempting to present Darwin as imaginative and humane. Applauds Smith’s ability to explain how Darwin uses text and illustration to present his arguments regarding natural selection, and praises him for his ability to link Darwin’s work to the scientific literature of the time and to explain how Darwin used language and illustration to make clear his views of life.