Nicola Davis - An Analysis of Richard Dawkinss The Selfish Gene

An Analysis of

Richard Dawkinss

Nicola Davis

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The information in this book is designed to orientate readers of the work under analysis, to elucidate and contextualise its key ideas and themes, and to aid in the development of critical thinking skills. It is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, as a substitute for original thinking or in place of original writing or research. References and notes are provided for informational purposes and their presence does not constitute endorsement of the information or opinions therein. This book is presented solely for educational purposes. It is sold on the understanding that the publisher is not engaged to provide any scholarly advice. The publisher has made every effort to ensure that this book is accurate and up-to-date, but makes no warranties or representations with regard to the completeness or reliability of the information it contains. The information and the opinions provided herein are not guaranteed or warranted to produce particular results and may not be suitable for students of every ability. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, damage or disruption arising from any errors or omissions, or from the use of this book, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained within.

WAYS IN TO THE TEXT

Who Is Richard Dawkins?

What Does The Selfish Gene Say?

Why Does The Selfish Gene Matter?

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ANALYSIS understanding how an argument is built

EVALUATION exploring the strengths and weaknesses of an argument

INTERPRETATION understanding issues of meaning

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Primary critical thinking skill: REASONING

Secondary critical thinking skill: INTERPRETATION

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.

Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist and an outspoken atheist. Born in Kenya in 1941, he moved to Britain as a boy and studied zoology at Oxford University, eventually becoming a lecturer there in 1970. Dawkins made his name as a writer by mixing difficult ideas with an easy style and 2006s best-selling The God Delusion turned him into a household name. That same year Dawkins founded The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Science and Reason, calling for the world of science actively to engage in society.

Dr Nicola Davis studied cell biology at Durham University and received her PhD from the Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at University College London.