Created from Animals
The Moral Implications of Darwinism
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:23rd May '91
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Since the Origin of Species was first published, Darwinism has been attacked for undermining traditional morality. In particular, because it emphasizes the kinship between humans and other animals, Darwinism seems incompatible with the traditional idea of human dignity - that human life has a special value, while other animals may be sacrificed for any purpose that humans choose. This book argues that Darwinism does undermine the traditional idea of human dignity; however, this is not a reason for rejecting Darwin's outlook. Instead, it is a reason for rejecting human dignity and replacing it with a better moral view, a more enlightened ethic regarding both the value of human life and our treatment of nonhuman animals. This important book, presenting Darwin's scientific and non-scientific views as one united theory, will stimulate all those interested in evolution, morality, religion, and animal rights to re-examine their views.
`Professor Rachel's study of ethics and evolution is an example of polemical writing at its best.' The Tablet
`James Rachels can take a complex theory or tangled issue and make it lucid. The book is philosophically sophisticated, yet never obscure, pedantic, or muddled. The book should appeal to any thinking person who wishes to become better informed on the best current philosophical thought from the "animal rights" point of view.' Journal of Value Inquiry
'he presents a stimulating argument in lucid prose, and demonstrates without question the relevance of Darwinian theory for ethics' Times Higher Education Supplement
'A remarkably clear, straightforward, and brief discussion ... of the implications of Darwinism for animal rights.' Kirkus Reviews
'lucid, thoughtful and well argued book ... Forceful, but never strident, it offers a moral perspective which thoughtful people, inside and outside the laboratory, would do well to ponder.' Philip Kitcher, University of California at San Diego, Nature
'In his most engaging way, James Rachels ... shows how Darwinism undermines the traditional idea of human superiority, producing a book that is a powerful weapon in the war against speciesism.' RSPCA Journal
'this ambitious book, like Rachels' previous books, is easy to read and is accessible to the many who want to know about how evolutionary biology, cognitive ethology and philosophy inform and motivate each other in coming to terms with many of the complex issues surrounding the treatment of non-humans by humans. But just because Created From Animals is an easy read, this does not mean that Rachels compromises quality. Rachels should be congratulated for his forthright, clear, and novel presentation, and also his willingness to argue openly a case that many would rather see argued behind closed doors or not at all.' Marc Bekoff, University of Colorado, Environmental Values vol.1, no.1
'His style is pleasant, thoughtful, fair-minded and well-argued; and if the Christian reader is not convinced of the case Dr Rachels espouses he will nevertheless find this an interesting, instructive and rewarding study. ... this is a fascinating and worthwhile book.' Science & Christian Belief
'it provides an excellent introduction to the whole of Darwin's life and thought' Ethology Ecology & Evolution 4: 1992
`Rachels spells out some practical consequences of abandoning special category status for human beings.' The Heythrop Journal
'His description of the development of Darwin's ideas about the mechanism of evolution is one of the best succinct summaries I have read.' Eugenie C. Scott, National Center for Science Education, Inc, Journal of Human Evolution (1993) 24
ISBN: 9780192861290
Dimensions: 2503mm x 127mm x 15mm
Weight: 322g
250 pages