Tower of Babel

Several very good books have been written responding to the quirky criticisms that biblical creationists tireless raise to evolutionary theory. Robert Pennock's Tower of Babel is the most detailed and comprehensive refutation of these criticisms to date. It is also a very good read.

David L. Hull, Dressler Professor in the Humanities, Department of Philosophy, Northwestern University

In Tower of Babel, Professor Pennock has brought the keen eye of a philosopher to bear on the 'New Creationism,' the nature of science, and essential questions of sound educational policy and practice. His book will be useful and instructive in the preparation of teachers and to school board members, administrators, teachers, and parents.

Edwin J. Delattre, Dean, School of Education, and Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University

Adopting new strategies and new disguises, creationists continue to assault not only evolutionary biology, but the foundations of all of science as well. In this clearly written, carefully reasoned, and much-needed analysis, Robert Pennock exposes the flaws in contemporary creationist arguments. Tower of Babel strikes a strong blow for sound biology, science, and education.

Douglas J. Futuyma, Department of Ecology and Evolution, State University of New York at Stony Brook

Pennock demonstrates that the doctrine of special creation—that separate species share no common biological ancestors but arose independently—flies in the face of reasonable canons of scientific evidence. He also effectively challenges the allegation that evolutionary theory is not scientific, but is just a philosophical dogma. The book thus simultaneously illuminates the nature of science and the evolutionary science of nature.

Elliott Sober, Hans Reichenbach Professor and Vilas Research Professor of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Pennock looks deeply inside today's ever-more-sophisticated creationist movement which promotes 'intelligent design theory' and attacks 'the dogmas of naturalism.' He provides powerful responses that will be particularly appreciated by biologists and science teachers. Tower of Babel is a model of socially engaged philosophy.

Ronald N. Giere, Department of Philsophy, Center for Philosophy of Science, University of Minnesota

Robert Pennock has provided a lucid, accessible, sensitive, and complete refutation of the latest emanations from the creationist camp, and all open-minded citizens should be grateful.

Philip Kitcher, Professor of Philosophy, Columbia University and University of California, San Diego