Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America's Soul by Kenneth R. Miller

From the Publisher

An inspiring book about the power and the passion of science

Few have weighed in on the nation's contentious debate over evolution as effectively as Kenneth R. Miller. In Only a Theory, Miller-the highly regarded scientist who offered expert testimony at the 2005 trial over the teaching of evolution in Dover, Pennsylvania-eloquently shows how "Intelligent Design" collapses at the very moment one begins to take it seriously. Miller shows that the attack on evolution is a broader assault on the skepticism and reason that have fueled America's remarkable scientific advances, and offers an encouraging prescription for how we can save the nation's "scientific soul" to which we owe so much.

Edward J. Larson

Ever since the publication of Darwin's Origin of Species 150 years ago, the public controversy over creation and evolution has been fought largely in books. For the past two decades, Ken Miller has been a prominent participant in that debate with his books and lectures. In Only a Theory, Miller takes up the cudgels again in a lively new book that persuasively argues for the theory of evolution, penetratingly critiques the claims for intelligent design, and explains why this dispute should matter to everyone. It may be only a book, but it's a good one. I highly recommend it. (Edward J. Larson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Evolution: The Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory)

Michael Ruse

Ken Miller's new book, Only a Theory, is everything we have come to expect from him— informed, witty, and above all deeply serious about matters of concern to us all. He takes so-called intelligent design theory apart, piece by piece, showing it for the sham that it is. In its stead, Miller makes a very strong argument for the truth and beauty of evolutionary thinking and begs that we not keep this wonderful science from our children. Highly recommended! (Michael Ruse, author of Darwinism and Its Discontents)

Sean B. Carroll

Only A Theory is an original and perceptive examination of the causes and effects of the ongoing civil war over evolution in America. A wise and tested veteran of its front lines, Ken Miller makes the compelling case that there is much more at stake in this conflict than one scientific theory - the fate of America's hard-earned scientific prowess is in the balance. Readers are sure to be inspired by this passionate appeal to defend and nourish one of our most important institutions. (Sean B. Carroll, author of The Making of the Fittest and Endless Forms Most Beautiful)

Francis Collins

In this powerfully argued and timely book, Ken Miller takes on the fundamental core of the Intelligent Design movement, and shows with compelling examples and devastating logic that ID is not only bad science but is potentially threatening in other deeper ways to America's future. But make no mistake, this is not some atheistic screed — Prof. Miller's perspective as a devout believer will allow his case to resonate with believers and non-believers alike. (Francis Collins, Director, the Human Genome Project and author of The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief)

Publishers Weekly

Thoroughly enjoyable and informative, this new book by Miller (Finding Darwin's God), a Brown University biologist and leading proponent of evolution, dismantles the scientific basis of intelligent design piece by piece. He does this by taking seriously the claims of intelligent design (though with tongue often in cheek), such as irreducible complexity, and looking at the biological facts and the dubious conclusions ID concepts would lead to. He turns to the peer-reviewed scientific literature to demonstrate that the two biological phenomena ID proponents say could not have evolved-blood-clotting proteins and bacterial flagella-are now well-enough understood to fully rebut intelligent design. Looking at the underlying philosophical issues, Miller explains that ID's proponents want to replace modern science with "A 'theistic science'... that would use the Divine not as ultimate cause, but as scientific explanation." Miller effectively explores the devastating consequences such a change would have on both science and society. In a measured, well-reasoned book, Miller explains why evolution does not deny us our humanity or our unique place in the universe. Illus. Colbert Report appearance on June 16. (June 16)

Gloria Maxwell - Library Journal

At the beginning of the 21st century, America is still conflicted about the theory of evolution, just as it was at the time of the Scopes Monkey Trial in 1925. One significant difference today is that critics of evolution contradict Darwin with the pseudoscientific concept of intelligent design (ID). Miller (biology, Brown Univ.), an expert witness in the 2005 evolution trial in Dover, PA, brings his same penetrating arguments against intelligent design to this book. Going beyond a mere evolution vs. ID argument, Miller examines America's role as a scientific leader in the world and how we are slipping from that position. Attempts to attack science and derail its importance lower America's standing throughout the world. Instead of painting a pessimistic view of our future, Miller shows how it is exactly the nature of America-from its beginnings as a group of revolutionary colonies-that also holds the greatest hope for ultimately retaining our position as a world leader in science. That hope will depend upon gaining public support and understanding of science, for which Miller provides a formula for achieving. Much of this book is rather technical and scientifically advanced, but it offers a unique perspective on this topic. Recommended for larger academic and public libraries.

Kirkus Reviews

Balanced account of the evolution vs. intelligent design debate. Cellular biologist Miller (Biology/Brown Univ.; Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution, 1999) analyzes the theory and importance of intelligent design in a civil, open-minded manner. While clearly on the side of evolution, he decides "to take intelligent design seriously" and analyze it dispassionately. In doing so, he finds a variety of flaws but also fully understands its appeal. Moreover, he realizes that traditional science is often lacking in its attempt to explain the universe around us and within us. Miller begins by empathizing with those who simply cannot believe that the intricacies of life, let alone the universe, could be the effects of chance. He counters, however, that science is not based on random chance at all: "There is indeed a grand design to life, and it's the very one first glimpsed more than a century ago by a fellow named Charles Darwin." The epochal history of the universe, culminating on Earth with the amazing processes of evolution, provides us with proof that the original design had meaning. And that, Miller argues, is where the scientific community often stumbles, by not answering or even considering the question of whether life has meaning. It does, he replies, and belief in that meaning is indeed compatible with belief in evolution. The author warns that the thrust of intelligent design poses dangers for science as a whole. Having adopted the language of relativism-an ironic development in and of itself-intelligent-design proponents argue that science cannot possibly hold a monopoly on truth, an argument that has the potential to undo the Americanscientific framework. This may seem like a Chicken Little warning to those not steeped in the issue, but Miller is convinced. One of the better books on this emotionally charged subject.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents