We can revisit this idea anytime. Perhaps we can invite the author to an online chat session after we've discussed the book. We've done that before.djkirk wrote:Good point GEO and Taylor, I agree.
I think we can just start discussing the book right here. Since there's only three of us, I don't see the necessity for having 25 different threads. But I'm just tossing ideas out and really have no preference either way.
I don't know yet how much Prothero will tackle Creationist dogma that rejects evolution, but I think some of that is inevitable. For this discussion I'd suggest that we focus as much as possible on the evidence that shows how evolution works rather than get bogged down by arguments against Creationism. (This is a reminder to myself as anything.) I think we can assume that evolution is true for purposes of this discussion. If this thread gets too far off topic, we can simply create a separate thread.
Edit: On the other hand, we can present the Creationist argument to Fossil X and discuss how the evidence holds up. ?
I haven't started reading yet, but the author opens Chapter 1 with this quote from Darwin's Origin of Species, which is often referred to as "Darwin's Dilemma":
Where is all that fossil evidence for these earlier life forms? I can't wait to find out.Darwin wrote:If the theory (of evolution) be true, it is indisputable that before the lowest Cambrian strata was deposited, long periods elapsed . . . and the world swarmed with living creatures. (Yet) to the question why we do not find rich fossiliferous deposits belonging to these earlier periods . . . I can give no satisfactory answer.
You guys, please check in when you get your books! I'll keep posting "filler" to bump this thread in hopes of getting others to join in.