Western Reads is a campus-wide reading program designed to promote intellectual engagement, community, and conversation at Western Washington University. It is sponsored jointly by The Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs. For more information about the program, contact us.
The 2008-2009 selection is:
By Gordy Slack
Published by Wiley and Sons
The Battle Over the Meaning of Everything, by science writer Gordy Slack, is a compelling eye-witness account of the recent courtroom drama in Dover, Pennsylvania that put evolution and intelligent design on trial. Slack offers a riveting, personal and often amusing first-hand account that details six weeks of some of the most widely ranging and fascinating testimony in U.S. legal history. Situated within the conflicting perspectives of his own family, Slack’s account explores the nature and significance of the battle between natural scientists and the religious conservatives who wish to introduce arguments for intelligent design into the biology classroom.
During the Kitzmiller vs. Dover trial, members of the local school board defended their effort to require teachers to present intelligent design alongside evolution in 9th grade Biology courses as an explanation for the origins and diversity of life on Earth. The trial revealed two essentially different and conflicting views of the world and the lengths to which true believers on each side will go to promote their own. The controversial ruling by George W. Bush-appointed Judge John Jones III was full of surprises and had a profound influence on America's educational landscape. Slack's engaging story of high drama and unforgettable characters is a sophisticated examination of the deep cultural, religious, and political faultlines that sometimes divide Americans.
What Others are Saying:
“Gordy Slack's beautifully written The Battle Over the Meaning of Everything should be on absolutely everyone's must read list. Although Slack does not conceal his own evolutionary commitments, he is balanced and fair, showing above all that this is a cultural battle and not simply one of science versus religion. The book is a terrific read.” — Michael Ruse, Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy and director of the program in the history and philosophy of science, Florida State University. |
“In this must-read for anyone involved in education – from federal officials to local school board voters – Slack demonstrates in crisp, clear language how science and religion are not opposites but different ways of thinking, each valuable for different purposes.” |
News and Events
- Video of author Gordy Slack, discussing this book.
Related Links
 Nova Episode: Judgment Day: Intelligent Design On Trial This Peabody Award winning documentary is available on DVD at the WWU Library. |
