Is Neo-Darwinism Enough? The Noble-Wilson Dialogue on Evolution
David Sloan Wilson and Denis Noble participate in a dialogue centering around the sufficiency of a neo-Darwinian framework of biology. Does neo-Darwinism provide a reasonably complete and adequate explanation of biological phenomena? Are there any new theoretical breakthroughs that are necessary to support the framework? The point of this dialogue is for both parties to advance the best case for their position, as well as to refute the case of their Interlocutor.
Advanced Praise for Is Neo-Darwinism Enough?
Denis Noble and David Sloan Wilson agree on much of what is wrong with the Neo-Darwinian synthesis — and they agree that a lot of things are wrong — yet they part ways on whether these problems amount to an outright falsification of Darwinism (Noble's view) or a call for radically reorienting Darwinism (Wilson's view). Wherever one stands on this issue, their exchange provides an accessible and reliable guide to the unsettled state of contemporary evolutionary theory.
Steve Fuller, Professor of Social Epistemology, University of Warwick UK
Evolution might be as settled a question as any in science. For several decades, how evolution works was similarly portrayed as settled science: Darwinism was the sole credible mechanism, and there was no alternative. The Darwinian idea no longer sits on that throne. But, what is the alternative? In a fascinating dialogue, Is NeoDarwinism Enough? brings together two prominent scientists, David Sloan Wilson, and Denis Noble, to debate the Yea or Nay of the question. Anyone looking for a respectful and balanced exploration of this often contentious question will come away refreshed, better informed, and more fully equipped to decide for themselves.
J. Scott Turner, Emeritus Professor of Biology, SUNY ESF, Syracuse
Public debate over the adequacy and conceptual foundations of the neo-Darwinian synthesis, when it occurs at all, is too often marred by ideology and politics, and more generative of heat than of light. We need dialogue that is not only frank but also civil, reasonable, and well-informed. To that end, Wilson and Noble have made an important contribution.
Edward Feser, Professor of Philosophy, Pasadena City College
David Sloan Wilson is SUNY Distinguished Professor in the departments of Biology and Anthropology at Binghamton University. His research interests focus on multilevel selection theory, human evolution, and differentiation within species, populations, and individuals. Wilson received his PhD from Michigan State University. He is the author of many books, including Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin’s Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives (Delta, 2007), Does Altruism Exist?: Culture, Genes, and the Welfare of Others (Yale UP, 2015), and This View of Life: Completing the Darwinian Revolution (Pantheon, 2019).
Denis Noble is Emeritus Professor of Cardiovascular Physiology in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics of the Medical Sciences Division of the University of Oxford, where he held the Burdon Sanderson Chair of Cardiovascular Physiology, 1984–2004. A pioneer in computer modeling of biological organs and systems, Noble received his PhD from University College London. He is the author of several books, including The Music of Life: Biology Beyond Genes (Oxford UP, 2008), Dance to the Tune of Life: Biological Relativity (Cambridge UP, 2017), and Understanding Living Systems, with Raymond Noble (Cambridge UP, 2023).
Denis Noble is Emeritus Professor of Cardiovascular Physiology in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics of the Medical Sciences Division of the University of Oxford, where he held the Burdon Sanderson Chair of Cardiovascular Physiology, 1984-2004. A pioneer in computer modeling of biological organs and systems, Noble received his PhD from University College London. He is the author of several books, including The Music of Life: Biology Beyond Genes (Oxford UP, 2008), Dance to the Tune of Life: Biological Relativity (Cambridge UP, 2017), and Understanding Living Systems, with Raymond Noble (Cambridge UP, 2023).
