An Analysis of Richard Dawkins's The Selfish Gene

by Nicola Davis

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781351353410
Publisher:	Macat Library
Publication date:	07/14/2017
Series:	The Macat Library
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	82
File size:	321 KB

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Ways in to the Text 

Who is Richard Dawkins?  

What does The Selfish Gene Say? 

Why does The Selfish Gene Matter? 

Section 1: Influences 

Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context  

Module 2: Academic Context 

Module 3: The Problem 

Module 4: The Author's Contribution 

Section 2: Ideas  

Module 5: Main Ideas 

Module 6: Secondary Ideas  

Module 7: Achievement  

Module 8: Place in the Author's Work  

Section 3: Impact 

Module 9: The First Responses  

Module 10: The Evolving Debate  

Module 11: Impact and Influence Today 

Module 12: Where Next? 

Glossary of Terms 

People Mentioned in the Text 

Works Cited