An Analysis of Richard Dawkins's The Selfish Gene

By Nicola Davis

Book Overview

Richard Dawkins provides excellent examples of his reasoning and interpretation skills in The Selfish Gene. His 1976 book is not a work of original research, but instead a careful explanation of evolution, combined with an argument for a particular interpretation of several aspects of evolution. Since Dawkins is building on other researchers' work and writing for a general audience, the central elements of good reasoning are vital to his book: producing a clear argument and presenting a persuasive case; organising an argument and supporting its conclusions.

In doing this, Dawkins also employs the crucial skill of interpretation: understanding what evidence means; clarifying terms; questioning definitions; giving clear definitions on which to build arguments. The strength of his reasoning and interpretative skills played a key part in the widespread acceptance of his argument for a gene-centred interpretation of natural selection and evolution - and in its history as a bestselling classic of science writing.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1912127571
• ISBN13: 9781912127573
• Release Date: July 2017
• Publisher: Macat Library
• Length: 82 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.1" x 7.8"