The Deep Structure of Biology

Is Convergence Sufficiently Ubiquitous to Give a Directional Signal

By: Simon Conway Morris (Editor)

Narrated by: Philip Sondericker

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

Twelve renowned scientists and theologians offer penetrating insights into the evolution dialogue in The Deep Structure of Biology. Each considers whether the orthodox model of evolution is sufficient and offers his/her own perspective on evolution and biology. Essays include:

• Chance and Necessity in Evolution
• Green Plants as Intelligent Organisms
• Canny Corvoids and Political Primates: A Case for Convergent Evolution in Intelligence
• Social and Cultural Evolution in the Ocean: Convergences and Contrasts with Terrestrial Systems
• Purpose in Nature: On the Possibility of a Theology of Evolution

Editor Simon Conway Morris provides the introduction and an overview of the issues as well as an essay on evolution and convergence. Other contributors are: Richard Lenski, George McGhee, Karl Niklas, Anthony Trewavas, Nigel Franks, Nicola Clayton, Nathan Emery, Hal Whitehead, Robert Foley, Michael Ruse, Celia Deane-Drummond, and John Haught.

The discussion of biology and evolution in these essays broadens the scope of the traditional evolution discussion as it aims to stimulate the development of further research programs. Scholars in the science and religion field will find this book a valuable resource.

©2008 Templeton Foundation Press (P)2012 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic Reviews

"Conway Morris has assembled a powerful collection of arguments that effectively challenge the nondirectional, random view of the evolutionary process. Highly recommended." ( Choice)

Not an introduction, otherwise well worth engaging

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Check out this reader if you are already familiar with the basics of convergent evolutionary theory. This is not media storm material. It is a compilation of essays contributed by expert biologists and philosophers of science about their respective research. Complementary schematics for interpreting compelling data less and less at home in a purely materialistic, Stephen J. Gouldinan chance/mutation paradigm. Be prepared to learn about morphospaces, a periodic table of life, and Wolfhart Pannenberg's proposed emendation of Aquinas's understanding of nature and natural theology. All in all a good representation of current research working from a convergence theory foundation.

Unlistenable. You just can't.

The only possibility for how this is so impossible to listen to is that the narrator practiced his robot voice before recording. I have suffered through some awful narration but when I say robot voice I mean (this is not a joke) Stephen Hawking is slightly less robot and Siri seems downright human by comparison. It must be intentional.

It's a shame because there were a few premises I tried to follow during the first hour or so, then skipped ahead, and again, to see if it was just the narrator's first time reading out loud (as is sometimes the case I think) and might get better, but no.

I have seen people be way too hard on narrators and that bugs me, but please trust me and do not even try.

Brilliant book partly spoiled

Conway Morris is probably the finest biologist working today. I am not a scientist, so I had hoped that an audiobook version of his collection of essays would be easier to work through. Some fascinating and stimulating ideas. I am glad I persevered, and I learned a lot. But why on earth was it read as though to imitate a computer programme - even at the end, my ears could not fully believe that the reader is a human being.