The Counter-Creationism Handbook / Edition 1

by Mark Isaak

Overview

Those opposed to the teaching of evolution often make well-rehearsed claims about the science that sound powerful and convincing. And many people who support the teaching of evolution—students, teachers, parents, administrators—do not have the background to respond. They know that scientists have thoroughly dismantled these arguments, but they don't have a handy way of responding to these attacks. The Counter-Creationism Handbook is a one-stop resource for addressing over 400 of the most prevalent claims made by creationists. Each claim is followed by a succinct and scientifically valid rebuttal, and the book includes print and on-line resources for further reading and information.

The Counter-Creationism Handbook:

* Covers claims made about the disciplines of philosophy, biology, paleontology, geology, astronomy, physics and mathematics, history, and more.

* Addresses the claims of Biblical creationism, intelligent design creationism, and some creationism based on non-Christian religions.

* Includes an introduction on how to address creationists in different venues, how to deal with novel claims, and why accurate science is important.

* Is organized thematically, with extensive cross-referencing.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780520249264
Publisher:	University of California Press
Publication date:	01/12/2007
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	362
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Mark Isaak has written numerous articles on the creation/evolution debate. He is the editor of the "Index of Creationist Claims" on the acclaimed website www.talkorigins.org.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
How to Use This Book
List of Creationist Claims
Introduction

1. Philosophy and Theology
Ethics
Epistemology
Foundation of Knowledge
Theory of Science
Scientific Method
Theology

2. Biology
Abiogenesis
Genetics
Molecular Biology
Physiology and Anatomy
Behavior and Cognition
Botany
Ecology and Population Biology
Developmental Biology
Systematics
Evolution

3. Paleontology
Physical Anthropology
Transitional Fossils
Fossil Record
Methodology

4. Geology
Geochronology
Geological Column
Sedimentation
Evaporation
Glaciation
Mountain Building
Erosion
Geophysics and Plate Tectonics

5. Astronomy and Cosmology
Earth
Moon
Planets and Solar System
Sun and Stars
Cosmology

6. Physics and Mathematics
Second Law of Thermodynamics and Information Theory
First Law of Thermodynamics
Radiometric Decay

7. Miscellaneous Antievolution
History
Linguistics
Folklore

8. Biblical Creationism
Biblical Creationism Generally
Biblical Accuracy
Young-Earth Creationism
Age of the Universe
Death and the Fall
Created Kinds
Flood
Miscellaneous Young-Earth Creationism
Day-Age Creationism
Geocentrism

9. Intelligent Design
ID as Science
Detecting Design
First Cause
Anthropic Principle
Meta-arguments

10. Other Creationism
Vedic Creationism
Native North American Creationism
Islamic Creationism

Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

"[T]akes several hundred claims of creationists and proponents of intelligent design and answers them succinctly and scientifically, providing citations for both the claims and the arguments against them….A well-organized standard reference that should prove useful in the classroom as well as in public debate." - College & Research Libraries News


"The Counter-Creationism Handbook is aimed at those who need help in countering creationist claims in the sciences, philosophy, and the Bible….[d]oes the book have value for the ASA reader? Yes. First, it offers a broad picture of the arguments that one may encounter. Second, it deals effectively with scientific issues. Third, it provides useful debating strategies for various settings." - Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith


"As any experienced debater can tell you, one essential ingredient to success in public debate is to know your opponents arguments. That idea is thoroughly reflected in this guide to the debate on creationism. School teachers, librarians and public officials are often caught unprepared by requests of creationists to remove books or modify curricula. This guide to many of the most common arguments of creationists will allow public officials the means of appreciating creationist concerns and perhaps countering their requests….Each entry summarizes the creationist argument and provides a rebuttal based on scientific evidence. Documenting both sides of these arguments is important for following up on particular issues; so Isaaks bibliographies provide both creationist and scientific sources. This consistency in coverage means the guide can serve adherents to either side in this debate. This unique guide should be of value in both public and academic library collections." - Lawrence Looks at Books


"The intended audience for this book includes science teachers, those caught in arguments with creationists, and even creationists who want to identify weaknesses in their propositions….Every school where evolution is taught needs this book, and public library reference collections would do well to include it for journalists and researchers." - VOYA

From the Publisher