The Edge of Evolution: Animality, Inhumanity, and Doctor Moreau
In this interdisciplinary work, author Ron Edwards offers an innovative rereading of H. G. Wells' "The Island of Dr. Moreau." Edwards utilizes his twenty-five years in biology and the ethics of animal research to examine the bioethical implications of Wells' work and its relevance to contemporary scientific and philosophical discussions. He tackles the myth of human exceptionalism, the notion that we are fundamentally different from the rest of the animal kingdom. We must view ourselves, he argues, not as from animals, but as animals.

The approachable tone is suitable for a wide audience of the scientifically curious. At the same time, great care is given to providing an accurate and considered treatment of the technical aspects of the novel, including the scientific plausibility of Dr. Moreau's experiment. Never before have Wells' ideas been examined in such detail by an evolutionary biologist with the author's considerable experience.

The implications are far-reaching, touching on key topics in animal rights, evolution, and the relationship between religion and science. Its approachability and dedication to technical accuracy produces a unique perspective on Wells' classic. Anyone with an interest in confronting some of the central issues of human existence through the lens of fiction will be rewarded with an original and thought-provoking work.
"1122747332"
The Edge of Evolution: Animality, Inhumanity, and Doctor Moreau
In this interdisciplinary work, author Ron Edwards offers an innovative rereading of H. G. Wells' "The Island of Dr. Moreau." Edwards utilizes his twenty-five years in biology and the ethics of animal research to examine the bioethical implications of Wells' work and its relevance to contemporary scientific and philosophical discussions. He tackles the myth of human exceptionalism, the notion that we are fundamentally different from the rest of the animal kingdom. We must view ourselves, he argues, not as from animals, but as animals.

The approachable tone is suitable for a wide audience of the scientifically curious. At the same time, great care is given to providing an accurate and considered treatment of the technical aspects of the novel, including the scientific plausibility of Dr. Moreau's experiment. Never before have Wells' ideas been examined in such detail by an evolutionary biologist with the author's considerable experience.

The implications are far-reaching, touching on key topics in animal rights, evolution, and the relationship between religion and science. Its approachability and dedication to technical accuracy produces a unique perspective on Wells' classic. Anyone with an interest in confronting some of the central issues of human existence through the lens of fiction will be rewarded with an original and thought-provoking work.
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The Edge of Evolution: Animality, Inhumanity, and Doctor Moreau

The Edge of Evolution: Animality, Inhumanity, and Doctor Moreau

by Ronald Edwards
The Edge of Evolution: Animality, Inhumanity, and Doctor Moreau

The Edge of Evolution: Animality, Inhumanity, and Doctor Moreau

by Ronald Edwards

Hardcover

$56.00 
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Overview

In this interdisciplinary work, author Ron Edwards offers an innovative rereading of H. G. Wells' "The Island of Dr. Moreau." Edwards utilizes his twenty-five years in biology and the ethics of animal research to examine the bioethical implications of Wells' work and its relevance to contemporary scientific and philosophical discussions. He tackles the myth of human exceptionalism, the notion that we are fundamentally different from the rest of the animal kingdom. We must view ourselves, he argues, not as from animals, but as animals.

The approachable tone is suitable for a wide audience of the scientifically curious. At the same time, great care is given to providing an accurate and considered treatment of the technical aspects of the novel, including the scientific plausibility of Dr. Moreau's experiment. Never before have Wells' ideas been examined in such detail by an evolutionary biologist with the author's considerable experience.

The implications are far-reaching, touching on key topics in animal rights, evolution, and the relationship between religion and science. Its approachability and dedication to technical accuracy produces a unique perspective on Wells' classic. Anyone with an interest in confronting some of the central issues of human existence through the lens of fiction will be rewarded with an original and thought-provoking work.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780190212094
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication date: 03/11/2016
Pages: 296
Product dimensions: 6.30(w) x 9.40(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Ron Edwards holds a PhD in Zoology from University of Florida and is self-employed as an independent scholar and author. He most recently served as an Assistant Professor at DePaul University, and has also held appointments at University of Chicago and Valdosta State University. He blogs regularly at http://hyenaswine.wordpress.com.

Table of Contents

PART ONE: NOT MEANT TO KNOW

Chapter 1: The Paw
Taking exception / Science and fiction / Science fiction

Chapter 2: The Ism that Wasn't
It does not please you / Darwin in the middle / Two windows

Chapter 3: Don't Meddle
Movies and Moreau / Sorcery / Life science

PART TWO: THE THING IS AN ABOMINATION

Chapter 4: The House of Pain
No pain, no gain / Moreau 1, Prendick 0 / Pain is real

Chapter 5: Into the Lab and Onto the Slab
In the book / How / But why

PART THREE: POOR BEASTS

Chapter 6: All the Difference
Moreau's Man / Prendick's gaze / "No!" / The virago

Chapter 7: To the Beasts You May Go
No threshold / Selection and its discontents / The Valley

PART FOUR: NO ESCAPE

Chapter 8: That is the Law
Whose Law? / Hell is real / The Jesus moment / The rebel

Chapter 9: Beast Monsters
The taste of blood / The stubborn beast flesh / The horror

Chapter 10: Big Thinks
Suffering and philosophy / Science and humanity
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