The Failures of Mathematical Anti-Evolutionism

This book refutes anti-scientific, superficially mathematical arguments used to support anti-evolutionism in language accessible for both lay and professional audiences.

Jason Rosenhouse (Author)

9781108842303, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 May 2022

292 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 2 cm, 0.6 kg

'Recommended.' A. K. Ackerberg-Hastings, Choice

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Evolution [PSAJ], Popular science [PDZ], Philosophy of science [PDA], Mathematical modelling [PBWH], Conservatism & right-of-centre democratic ideologies [JPFM], Religion & science [HRAM3]