- #1
kaos
- 63
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Has anyone read Richard Dawkins Blind Watchmaker?? Is it good?? And What about Jared Diamond's Guns Germs and Steel?
Books by Richard Dawkins and Jared Diamond: Reviews
- Thread starter kaos
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around reviews and opinions on Richard Dawkins' "The Blind Watchmaker" and Jared Diamond's "Guns, Germs, and Steel." Participants share their experiences and critiques of these books, touching on themes of scientific explanation, cultural perspectives, and educational use.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants recommend "The Blind Watchmaker" highly, describing it as outstanding and entertaining.
- Multiple participants express positive views on "Guns, Germs, and Steel," noting its use as a textbook in Anthropology courses.
- Concerns are raised about Jared Diamond's perceived Eurocentrism and the lack of emphasis on non-Western achievements, particularly in relation to technological and scientific advancements.
- One participant questions the nature of the criticisms regarding Diamond's emphasis in "Guns, Germs, and Steel," seeking clarification on what is meant by "too much emphasis."
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the quality of both books, but there are competing views regarding the criticisms of Diamond's work, particularly concerning cultural representation and emphasis.
Contextual Notes
Some critiques of Diamond's work are based on perceptions of bias and representation, which may depend on individual interpretations and definitions of Eurocentrism.
- #2
Doc Al
Mentor
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The Blind Watchmaker is an outstanding book. My highest recommendation.
- #3
Smurf
- 497
- 3
I've heard good things about Guns Germs and Steel from everyone I know who's read it. It's one of the textbooks used in some Anthropology courses in my university. However, some criticize Diamond for putting too much emphasise on the subject of his book.
- #4
kaos
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Smurf said:
Err what do you mean by too much emphasis?
- #5
brewnog
Science Advisor
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Guns Germs and Steel is excellent, well worth a skim!
- #6
fourier jr
- 764
- 13
i haven't read guns, germs & steel but i have read that jared diamond is a bit of a euro-centrist. i saw a thing on the discovery channel about the book & right away noticed that the technological & scientific acheivements of the chinese, for example were more or less ignored. i wasn't very impressed with that guy based on what i saw on the show & haven't been very interested in reading the book (although i probably should if i want to be better informed 
)
)- #7
honestrosewater
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I liked The Blind Watchmaker too. It was probably the funniest and most entertaining of his books that I've read.
- #8
kaos
- 63
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Anyway i got both (second hand from a friend) and started on Guns,germs and Steel. Very good IMO and can't stop reading.
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