Failures of Mathematical Anti-Evolutionism

Anti-scientific misinformation has become a serious problem on many fronts, including vaccinations and climate change. One of these fronts is the persistence of anti-evolutionism, which has recently been given a superficially professional gloss in the form of the intelligent design movement. Far from solely being of interest to researchers in biology, anti-evolutionism must be recognized as part of a broader campaign with a conservative religious and political agenda. Much of the rhetorical effectiveness of anti-evolutionism comes from its reliance on seemingly precise mathematical arguments. This book, the first of its kind to be written by a mathematician, discusses and refutes these arguments. Along the way, it also clarifies common misconceptions about both biology and mathematics. Both lay audiences and professionals will find the book to be accessible and informative.

List of contents

1. Scientists and their hecklers; 2. Evolution basics; 3. The parallel tracks of mathematical reasoning; 4. The legacy of the Wistar Conference; 5. Probability theory; 6. Information and combinatorial search; 7. Thermodynamics; 8. Epilogue.

About the author

Jason Rosenhouse is a professor of mathematics at James Madison University. He is the author or editor of eight previous books, including Among the Creationists: Dispatches from the Anti-Evolutionist Front Line (Oxford University Press, 2012).

Summary

Anti-scientific misinformation is rampant in both the US and Europe. One aspect of this issue is the use of poor mathematical arguments to promote pseudo-sciences like creationism and intelligent design. This book refutes those arguments and explains key concepts in both biology and mathematics for lay and professional readers alike.

Product details

• Authors: Jason Rosenhouse, Jason (James Madison University Rosenhouse, Rosenhouse Jason
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.04.2022
• EAN: 9781108842303
• ISBN: 978-1-108-84230-3
• No. of pages: 250
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > Genetics, genetic engineering; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; Evolution, popular science, SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Evolution, Philosophy of Science, Mathematical modelling, Religion and science, Religion & science, Conservatism & right-of-centre democratic ideologies, Right-of-centre democratic ideologies, Right-of-centre democratic ideologies and movements