By Design or By Chance? The Growing Controversy on the Origins of Life in the Universe

Rating:
Summary: A different kind of book about creation evolution
Review:

I estimate that about 3 to 4 books about the creation-evolution controversy are published each week. Many are by non-scientists in favor of creationism of some type, and most repeat the same information. Many are not worth reading. This is a very different book on this topic.This book does not argue for one side, as most books on this topic do, but objectively discusses all sides of the controversy. For this reason all sides of the controversy, from young earth to old earth creationists, to theistic evolutionists to Intelligent Design theorists, to atheist evolutionists, will find this book very useful. It is written by an award winning journalist and has much new material of interest to all sides of this never ending controversy. In many ways it is an update of Ron Numbers classic book titled The Creationists. Numbers focused on the history from 1920 to about 1980 and this book covers 1980 to date, although some background before 1980 is covered. It covers the science issues but much of the focus is on the history and non science area. As such, it stands alone in the field and has no competition. If you want a book that covers the whole controversy, this book is for you. If you want a book that defends one side or the other side I would look elsewhere.


Rating:
Summary: Addressing the Controversy
Review: Ever since man first roamed the planet he's asked the question: "From whence did I come?" One might think the suppositions would be endless, but after centuries of investigation, we're really left with only two possibilities: we're either here by chance, or by design. The subject of origins is one of the most hotly debated issues of all time. For those in one camp or the other, the answer is settled. Darwinists assure us we're here strictly by chance. Creationists use the same information to support a completely different conclusion. Even with all science and history at our disposal, there is still no definitive answer to the question of how we got here. And so the debate goes on.

Science writer, Denyse O'Leary, in her carefully researched, well-documented, and expertly crafted book, "By Design or By Chance," traces the history of man's thinking. Using her gift for making the inordinately complex seem simple, Denyse takes the reader inside the minds of some of the most renowned men of science to try and understand their motivations and the predispositions that lead them to engender certain conclusions. Though replete with examples of solid scientific evidence, the purpose of this book is not to explain the data supporting one side or the other; rather, it is a comprehensive look at where various ideas originate, and the psychology behind current streams of thought. It is the perfect book for anyone who wants to form an enlightened opinion, or gain better understanding of the issue, which otherwise might be difficult in a society where the educational system emphasizes only one side, to the exclusion all others. Quoting Richard Halvorson, Harvard Crimson, 2003, Denyse declares, "The most important question for any society to ask is the one that is forbidden."


Rating:
Summary: David and Goliath: Design Takes on Darwin
Review: I have usually avoided discussions about evolution and origins on the grounds that as an arts major I wasn't informed enough to hold an educated opinion on the subject. Science journalist Denyse O'Leary has removed that excuse with her latest book, "By Design or by Chance? The Growing Controversy on the Origins of Life in the Universe." In this comprehensive and highly readable overview of the debate over origins, O'Leary outlines the social and historical context of Darwin's "Origins of Species," its impact on twentieth century thinking, and the rising challenge to its assumptions by Intelligent Design theorists.
The book is interesting, not only from a scientific perspective, but also from a social/historical one. The history of how ferociously Darwinian scientists have fought to defend the doctrine of Darwinism and silence all dissenting voices is as compelling as it is disturbing. O'Leary credits the Internet as the "information democracy" that allows access to nonestablishment scientific views such as intelligent design theory or creation science, both of which are commonly censored by the scientific establishment.
O'Leary has made a heavy and controversial topic accessible and entertaining with the use of humour, focus boxes, timelines, definitions, and a clear, readable style.
"By Design or by Chance?" is a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in the question of origins, and an open mind.

Rating:
Summary: Is Darwin going the way of Marx and Freud?
Review: In the introduction of her exceptionally researched book, Denyse O'Leary asks this bold question about the fate of Darwin's legacy (see review title). Though the presumption might seem unlikely given that Darwinism is the established theory in both mainstream science and the public school system, she reminds the reader that Darwinism would not be the first casuality of changing paradigms in history (Newton --> Einstein). Given the reaction from the Darwinist camp, I'm not so sure this is going to happen any time soon, but the fierce reactions they have given are perhaps an indication that things aren't so solid in evolutionary theory as most of us were taught!

The journalistic style that Denyse uses is appropriate and useful. I found the numerous side-bars extremely relevant, and the notes at the back of the book contain a wealth of information for additional research. Denyse has no problem laying out the controversy from various points of view - clearly demonstrating the implications of Darwinism, Creationism, and Intelligent Design. The book is both historical and contemporary in nature, which makes it a good introduction for those who want a well-balanced introduction. However, it's clearly thoroughly researched and plenty thought-provoking for those who are already familiar with the concepts.

I was personally a bit confused on the ultimate difference between the "post-Darwinist" and the "theistic evolutionist" positions. Surely in this debate, we have to fully clarify our terms. To me, a theistic evolutionist is someone who believes God set evolution in motion and since then, it has happened naturally. This seems to reduce God's role to that of a "first cause", but no longer active in the universe after the creation event. Denyse seems to call herself a "post-Darwinist", which apparently is someone who believes evolution has occurred, but does not believe Darwinism (natural selection) has explained it. However, she does not elaborate on exactly what alternative would explain it then? Even the Intelligent Design camp seems to have varying viewpoints on what the implication of design really means? Some believe that if there's design, there must be a Designer. Others perhaps believe that design may be more like a law or force which seems to be to be about the same as natural selection? After reading several books on Intelligent Design, I thought I understood the debate fairly well, but after reading this book, I admit I'm a bit muddy on certain viewpoints.

At any rate, I recommend the book to anyone who is interested in Darwinism, Creationism, or Intelligent Design. It will give you a decent history on the issues as well as some contemporary thought on where it is all going...

Rating:
Summary: Is Darwin going the way of Marx and Freud?
Review: In the introduction of her exceptionally researched book, Denyse O'Leary asks this bold question about the fate of Darwin's legacy (see review title). Though the presumption might seem unlikely given that Darwinism is the established theory in both mainstream science and the public school system, she reminds the reader that Darwinism would not be the first casuality of changing paradigms in history (Newton --> Einstein). Given the reaction from the Darwinist camp, I'm not so sure this is going to happen any time soon, but the fierce reactions they have given are perhaps an indication that things aren't so solid in evolutionary theory as most of us were taught!

The journalistic style that Denyse uses is appropriate and useful. I found the numerous side-bars extremely relevant, and the notes at the back of the book contain a wealth of information for additional research. Denyse has no problem laying out the controversy from various points of view - clearly demonstrating the implications of Darwinism, Creationism, and Intelligent Design. The book is both historical and contemporary in nature, which makes it a good introduction for those who want a well-balanced introduction. However, it's clearly thoroughly researched and plenty thought-provoking for those who are already familiar with the concepts.

I was personally a bit confused on the ultimate difference between the "post-Darwinist" and the "theistic evolutionist" positions. Surely in this debate, we have to fully clarify our terms. To me, a theistic evolutionist is someone who believes God set evolution in motion and since then, it has happened naturally. This seems to reduce God's role to that of a "first cause", but no longer active in the universe after the creation event. Denyse seems to call herself a "post-Darwinist", which apparently is someone who believes evolution has occurred, but does not believe Darwinism (natural selection) has explained it. However, she does not elaborate on exactly what alternative would explain it then? Even the Intelligent Design camp seems to have varying viewpoints on what the implication of design really means? Some believe that if there's design, there must be a Designer. Others perhaps believe that design may be more like a law or force which seems to be to be about the same as natural selection? After reading several books on Intelligent Design, I thought I understood the debate fairly well, but after reading this book, I admit I'm a bit muddy on certain viewpoints.

At any rate, I recommend the book to anyone who is interested in Darwinism, Creationism, or Intelligent Design. It will give you a decent history on the issues as well as some contemporary thought on where it is all going...

Rating:
Summary: Understanding the Origins Debate
Review: Reading Denyse O'Leary's By Design or by Chance was a particular treat for me because I myself have written on the same subject during the evolution/education debate in Kansas in 2000 and have met and interviewed many of the luminaries she quotes in her pages. Having followed some of the literature of the evolution/creationism/intelligent design debate since then, I was familiar with the context of her subject and the direction this controversy has taken. I must say, I've never seen a clearer and more comprehensive, yet accessible, discussion of the who, what, when, where, why and how of the topic offered in such an entertaining and palatable presentation than By Design or by Chance puts forward. It's both an excellent starting point for the novice as well as a handy resource for the professional seeking additional facts. It quite literally is a book with something for everyone.

O'Leary begins with an overview of the historical speculations on how the universe began and the origin of life in that universe. Was the universe always there, or did it have a finite beginning? What is the Big Bang theory and how was it initially received? What does science say about origins? What does religion say? How have both shaped the prevailing views over time within our culture?

The book next specifically addresses the question of life and how it came into being and changed. Did all life come from a common ancestor? What roles do natural law and chance play? Exactly who was Darwin, what did he believe and what were his major contributions? How did theists initially receive his views? When did creationism arrive on the scene and what precisely does it advocate? What are the different varieties of creationism? Along the way a number of historical misconceptions or inaccuracies are exposed and dispelled such as the "myths" surrounding the infamous Scopes Trial and the distortions promulgated by the film Inherit the Wind.

Finally, the focus turns to intelligent design theory. What is it and what does it say? How does it differ from the 18th-century views of the Anglican theologian William Paley? Who is Phillip Johnson, and how did he, in the late 1980s, launch the intelligent design movement? What are the contributions of its greatest advocates such as William Dembski, Michael Behe and Jonathan Wells? What do the concepts of "irreducible complexity" and "specified complexity" pertain to? Why is information theory a center piece and a quantum leap forward from Darwin's day? Having clearly established itself as a "third way," why does intelligent design incur the enmity of both Darwinists and creationists? Is intelligent design the wave of the future?

Throughout, O'Leary's great strengths are to make the complex understandable, the mountainous manageable, the presentation logical and the reading experience pleasurable. The format consists of well-placed internal headings, handy sidebars and charts. The reference notes, which are copious, are placed conveniently and unobtrusively at the end. The layout is pleasing to both the eye and the comprehension. If I were forced to offer some criticism, the best I could do would be to note the absence of illustrations and photos, but perhaps those additions would have been cost-prohibitive.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of O'Leary's work. Although familiar with the subject, I came away with a number of new facts in my arsenal. At a time when a plethora of new books are appearing on this subject, By Design or by Chance may well turn out to be one of the cornerstones in broadening public understanding of what's at stake in the origins debate. I give it my highest recommendation.

Mark Scheel
prose editor Kansas City Voices magazine
author of A Backward View: Stories and Poems

Rating:
Summary: Just The Facts
Review: Veteran science writer O'Leary investigates the age-old question that has recently gained resurgence: "How did we get here?"

Using scientific fact as both starting and guiding points O'Leary looks at two basic answers. Either we are here by design - an analysis of scientific evidence that points to Intelligent Design where someone or something is responsible for the creation of the Universe. Or we are here by chance - whereby an analysis of science proves evolution (most notably Darwinism) and disproves Intelligent Design. So who's right?

O'Leary is not interested in confirming or denying a particular religious point of view and is not laying out an explicit case for or against God. And here, among many other places, she succeeds. To use science as a bat to slug over the head of theists or atheists or others is to set in motion a reverse analysis of data such that everything then is defended for religion's (or lack thereof) sake as opposed to being examined critically for science's sake. While she lays the foundation for an Intelligent Design (ID) verdict she is careful not to assume that this forces someone into (or out of) a particular religious conviction.

Is Darwinism really based on science or is it propagated by the now fading modernist views of society? Is Intelligent Design (ID) the creation of theists or does it actually stand up to the test of science? Is science the all-mighty measuring stick? Does science interpret beliefs or is it the other way around, or do they both point to the same thing?

In all of these questions O'Leary shows that an honest investigation of the facts proves Intelligent Design is a more reasonable conclusion than evolution. She explains how Intelligent Design `out-evidences' other ideas on the origin of the universe.

This then paves the way for a further study as to what or who is behind the origin of the universe. In other words - exactly who or what is this Intelligent Design?

If there really is Intelligent Design, and if that Intelligent Designer is, in fact, God, and if that means God created us, then maybe God might have something to say about how we live our lives. That can be a scary proposition for some, and preposterous for others. Yet, in light of the increasing evidence O'Leary lays out for Intelligent Design it appears it's the question more of us will be asking in the not too distant future.