Librería Portfolio

Why do the debates about evolution persist, despite the plentiful evidence for it? Breaking down the notion that public resistance to evolution is strictly due to its perceived conflict with religion, this concise book shows that evolution is in fact a counterintuitive idea that is difficult to understand. Kostas Kampourakis, an experienced science educator, takes an insightful, interdisciplinary approach, providing an introduction to evolutionary theory written with clarity and thoughtful reasoning. Topics discussed include evolution in the public sphere, evolution and religion, the conceptual obstacles to understanding evolution, the development of Darwin´s theory, the most important evolutionary concepts, as well as evolution and the nature of science. Understanding Evolution presents evolutionary theory with a lucidity and vision that readers will quickly appreciate, and is intended for anyone wanting an accessible and concise guide to evolution.

Provides a thoughtful, balanced and sensitive introduction to the major conceptual obstacles to understanding evolutionary biology
Combines simple thought-experiments with actual examples, enabling the reader to engage with evolutionary concepts themselves
Contains clear illustrations to help the reader understand research conclusions, processes and concepts



Table of Contents

Preface: There is more to resistance to evolution than religion
1. The public acceptance of evolution
2. Religious resistance to accepting evolution
3. Conceptual obstacles to understanding evolution
4. Charles Darwin´s conceptual change
5. Common ancestry
6. Evolutionary processes
7. Evolution and the nature of science
Concluding remarks: the implications of evolution for human life
Index.