The science and humanism of Stephen Jay Gould

"This thoughtful and perceptive presentation of the remarkable work of Stephen Jay Gould is most welcome. With skill and insight, the authors elucidate Gould's contributions to evolutionary theory and to the understanding of the interactions of science and human life in many dimensions, from the social factors that enter into serious scientific inquiry to the ways in which recognition of the meaninglessness of nature sets the conditions for a humanistic concern for the achievements of creative intelligence and for how to live a decent life. Not least, they bring forth Gould's dedication to presenting to the general public the discoveries of biological science, and what it reveals about the wonders of nature, and his inspiring commitment to justice and freedom in his life and work."--Noam Chomsky. "York and Clark present a sympathetic and expansive overview of Stephen Jay Gould's scientific and popular writings, emphasizing how his humanism penetrated every aspect of his work. They offer an insightful interpretation of Gould's scientific, historical, and philosophical endeavors, giving the reader a refreshing and unified view of his life's accomplishments."--Elisabeth A. Lloyd, author, Science, Politics, and Evolution. "Stephen Jay Gould will be remembered for many things. He made major contributions to post-Darwinian evolutionary theory, its philosophy, and history. His many essays and books are models of popular science writing. Above all he had a passionate concern for social justice and was a powerful analytical critic of the ways in which s̀cience' has been used in support of racism and sexism. Here, sociologists Richard York and Brett Clark bring together many facets of Gould's vast output in an accessible exegesis of his ideas."--Steven Rose, editor, The Richness of Life: The Essential Stephen Jay Gould --Book Jacket.