Genes, Genesis, and God: Value and Its Origin in the Natural and Human Histories

Author: Holmes Rolston
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-01
Features: Can religious and ethical phenomena be reduced to biological phenomena? Holmes Rolston (Holmes Rolston) says no: In a comprehensive and thorough exposition on this topic, he challenges the orthodox views of sociobiology, which seeks to naturalize science, ethics, and religion, with vivid and clear language. This book argues that the genetic process is not blind, selfish, or accidental, and that nature is also not value-free. The author examines the emergence of complex biological diversity through the history of evolution. Notably in this narrative is the creation of humans with scientific, ethical, and religious capabilities. One major intellectual task of this book is to link cultural creation with natural creation. It also provides a general explanation of how values are created and transmitted in natural history and human culture. This book fully reflects new biological thought, written by one of the most respected figures in the field of bio-philosophy and religious philosophy. It is likely to stir considerable debate among a broad readership in philosophy, religious studies, and biology, and is also suitable as a textbook for science and religion courses.