Darwin's Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life (Penguin Science) [Paperback]

Darwin's theory as we understand it should start with a definition, and here I quote a definition: " The process in nature by which, according to Darwin's theory of evolution, only the organisms best adapted to their environment tend to survive and transmit their genetic characteristics in increasing numbers to succeeding generations while those less adapted tend to be eliminated." Dennett points out in his discussions that many non-evolution scientists, that is, those in other fields of research, do not really understand this simple idea. They still seem unwilling to accept the theory, although adaptive change has been proven in the scientific literature through extensive DNA and protein studies - see for example a more recent article 7 years after the Dennett book: February 28, 2002, Nature, authors Nick Smith and Dr Adam Eyre-Walker. They measure (quantitatively) the adaptive changes.

There are a number of sub-themes here and one being Gould's theories of evolution. Gould was famous and in the public eye, but back behind the scenes in the evolution world among his peers - according to Dennett - it seems that the situation was a lot more turbulent and controversial for Gould. Dennett describes Gould's "punctuated equilibrium" theory, a sort of stop start idea of steps in evolution that was supposed to overturn Darwin. Dennett thinks that the elimination of small Darwin adaptive steps was a confused and half baked idea (my paraphrase). This of course contains much irony since Gould himself wrote Wonderful Life based on the errors of Walcott and the Burgess Shale. As pointed out by Dennett elsewhere, Dennett explained to Gould that he was writing the book and was commenting on the flaws in Gould's theory. He met with Gould and received all his publications from Gould. At first Gould was helpful, but when Dennett found the inconsistencies among them, Gould went silent in their communications for almost a year, and refused to answer questions pertaining to Dennett's questions. The problem is that Gould had flip-flopped and back-tracked over the years until Gould's sudden non-linear jumps, followed by periods of little genetic change, were in fact toned down to just "speed changes" in Darwin's theory of small adaptive steps. It was no longer a revolution in evolution by Gould.

This Dennett book is far ranging and covers many topics in genetics and evolution. It is 18 chapters long and covers the subjects in a chatty style. The book is not a quick read and would take about a week to read, on and off 3 or 4 hours per day. I read about a quarter in my first read and got excited when I got to pages 156 through 163. Here starting on page 156 he describes how the first molecules or structures of life were formed. He tells us about a possibly of a replicating parasitic macromolecule, or a type of partial or pre-virus. It is likely, or at least possible, that first life was based on fragments of proteins and RNA being attracted to silica surfaces or similar. It is all very interesting, especially the idea that catalysts might have increased the mathematical probabilities of interaction to produce life, and that it is based on just common inorganic molecules found in the silica rich clays of earth's streams and lakes. He has numerous other topics such as the tree of life, ideas about the species, Mendel, "the computer that learned to play checkers", so on and so forth.

I would like thank fellow reviewer Stephen A. Haines ("bigbunyip" - or see my profile page and go to Amazon friends) for bringing this book to my attention. I highly recommend this exceptional book. Here are some other sophisticated science books for the general reader:
Genome (1999) by Matt Ridley, The Fabric of The Cosmos (2004) a physics book by Briane Greene, and Life on a Young Planet: The First Three Billion Years of Evolution on Earth (2003) by Andrew H. Knoll, and for a light treatment of genetics and society read: The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins (1989 version updated from 1976), or the original book: The Origin of The Species, Charles Darwin, Modern Library (original 1859, reprinted 1993).

Dennett coins or adopts a few "catch phrases" to help us understand how the Idea works. In presenting Darwin's thesis in a historical context, Dennett offers the term "universal acid," showing how "change over time" toppled firmly held beliefs. "Universal acid" has been seized upon by numerous critics in the media arguing that Darwin's Idea eroded beliefs without providing replacements. Dennett counters this charge, declaring that rigorously investigated natural events will lead to the establishment of new, realistic values. He accepts the comforting value of faith, but will not concede its insistence on possession of truth. Truth is achieved by investigative effort, not granted by divine revelation.

He utilizes a familiar term, "algorithm" in explaining how the evolutionary process works through the language of DNA. To Dennett, an algorithm is a "stupid piece of information" since it does nothing itself. However, the algorithm is easy to understand and reliable in any environment enabling it to perform. In evolution, algorithms represent the step by step process through which groups of individuals become new species. Another of his terms, "the crane," relies on the algorithmic idea, which are the foundation on which cranes rely. Cranes, of course, are building tools. In evolution, cranes rest on previous conditions, building up new forms through the adaptive process. It's a terribly slow and inefficient method, but over time it works. The proof is that you're reading this now.

This book is a most thorough effort to address Darwin's idea in a philosophic framework. Not a biological text, DDI urges us to reconsider our values in light of the realities Darwin's Idea. Dennett want us to think logically and clearly without resorting to easy answers and taking shortcuts in arriving at conclusions. He achieves this with finesse, tempered with a fine wit to sustain our attention. It's a readable and challenging work, conveying meaningful concepts for furthering human progress. More significantly, it's a most valuable work. Only Darwin's Origin transcends it in impact on shaping values. In a world where Harry Potter books are banned from churches for being "soft on witchcraft" and evolution is given short shrift in public schools, it's clear that Dennett's theme requires greater attention.
[stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]