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Darwin's Dangerous Idea

Evolution and the Meanings of Life

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Darwin's Dangerous Idea

By: Daniel C. Dennett
Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell
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About this listen

In a book that is both groundbreaking and accessible, Daniel C. Dennett, whom Chet Raymo of The Boston Globe calls "one of the most provocative thinkers on the planet", focuses his unerringly logical mind on the theory of natural selection, showing how Darwin's great idea transforms and illuminates our traditional view of humanity's place in the universe. Dennett vividly describes the theory itself and then extends Darwin's vision with impeccable arguments to their often surprising conclusions, challenging the views of some of the most famous scientists of our day.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2013 Daniel C. Dennett (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Biological Sciences Evolution Evolution & Genetics History Philosophy Science Mathematics
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I now have a much better understanding of Darwinism. I found it quite technical and hard to absorb in places. Glad I persevered with it as I now feel less ignorant on the subject of Darwinian thinking.

Educational

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Daniel Dennett has done it again he never fails to fill his books with thousands of meaningful and thoughtful examples.

Dennett is a master, the vocal work was good too.

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Is there anything you would change about this book?

A problem listening to this book is the frequency of lengthy quotations Dennett uses to bolster his argument, both at start of sections and within the text. It is often difficult to tell when it is Dennett you are listening to or Dennett lengthily quoting someone else... frustrating!!Also - though a pdf file is available for the figures/diagrams referred to this is not helpful while listening on the move...Still - a classic text and stimulating in parts...

Would you listen to another book narrated by Kevin Stillwell?

I had to listen in at 1.25 speed cos he gets a tad monotonous real-time...

Was Darwin's Dangerous Idea worth the listening time?

I'd already read the book - so was testing out Audible more than Dennett.The former's bang on for me, the latter's sounding a little dated!!

Numersous quotations make for confusing listening!

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Dennett's dialogue remains coherent and engaging when spoken, thanks to excellent structure and generous inclusion of allegory. Stillwell's narrative tone is spot on.

Occasional technical details might be difficult to follow if the listener is not familiar with the vocabulary of biology, but this should not prevent fluent comprehension of the work. The commentary on Gould is a dreary incongruity in an otherwise delightful exposition of Neo-Darwinism.

Coherent and engaging

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Always a thrill to see the glint of gold dust in the pan. Its work - but there is nothing like gold dust in the pan.
A deeply thoughtful reminder never to underestimate the progress our culture has made.
These words revisit - with keen, well-honed attention - some of our finest steps into the landscape of understanding.

Panning for gold dust

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