Darwin's Dangerous Idea

Evolution and the Meanings of Life

By: Daniel C. Dennett

Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell

Length: 27 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2013 Daniel C. Dennett (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Is this guy messing with me?

I think the author might be a theist who wants to punish atheists with his pronunciation of "a priori." That's good narration.

The philosophy of evolutionary biology

It is a long book but very well written. I love the analogies that Dennett uses when explaining complicated philosophical Concepts. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Darwinism in general.

Hurry Up and Go Somewhere

I found the book to be very repetitive and containing way too many citations (thats how you end up with a book that is 27 hours long and could easily have been 10 hours). No need to cite 2, 3 and at times 4 or more sources for every thought. Very philosophical in nature with very little science or evolution history. Stuck with it in hopes it would get better but never went anywhere.

Darwinism as a philosophy

It is difficult to listen to an author whose mental and verbal capacity so greatly outpaced my own. With time taken to listen,reflect,look up meanings of words, and listen again, I feel I have gained insight and vocabulary.
The narrator was excellent. The footnoting would have been easier to deal with had I chosen a written text.

Exhaustive, illuminating, life-changing.

Would you listen to Darwin's Dangerous Idea again? Why?

Yes- but considering the tome is 27 plus hours cover to cover, I will reserve a second listen for a winter stay in Antarctica or a South Pacific solo sailing cruise of long duration.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The ingenious meld of philosophy,history and biological science.

What does Kevin Stillwell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is gifted with a vocal tone and style that is neither boring nor overly stimulating. It's just right.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Challenging All Barriers You Took For Granted.

A really Dangerous Idea

Would you listen to Darwin's Dangerous Idea again? Why?

Of course, so much information, it need a re-listen to really appreciate

What did you like best about this story?

An easy, simple explanation, for the lay person of the ideas behind the concept of Natural Slection

Which scene was your favorite?

Non-fiction book, no scene

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Truth is out there.

Any additional comments?

Basic reading for th educated individual.

dennet's arguments presented most suitably

Dennet's arguments presented most suitably, so there. how many more words? one? two? three?

Brilliant arguments

Brilliantly breaks down the controversies (the real ones) of Darwinism and shows how Darwin's dangerous idea applies to culture, technology, and artificial intelligence as much as biology.

Audiobook starts from chapter 9

The order is completely messed up.
Such a shame because it’s a wonderful book.
Any fixes available?

Philosophy book, not science

Too much philosophy too little scientific rigor and facts. Way too verbose. Interesting ideas are hidden among lengthy sentences and paragraphs. Could not finish it.