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.
| ISBN: | 9781912302376 |
| Publication date: | 4th November 2017 |
| Author: | Nicola Davis |
| Publisher: | Macat International Limited |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 82 pages |
| Series: | The Macat Library |
| Genres: |
Psychological theory, systems, schools and viewpoints Study and learning skills: general Philosophy Literary theory Political science and theory Society and culture: general Sociology Human geography |