The Wisdom of Evolution by Raymond J. Nogar, O. P., Ph. D. (review)

BOOK REVIEWS The Wisdom of Evolution. By RAYMOND J. NoaAR, 0. P., Ph. D. Foreword by Theodosius Dobzhansky. Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Co., Inc., 1963. Pp. 408, with index. $5.75. Publication of works on every aspect of evolution continues in undiminished flow to meet and stimulate interest in this engrossing subject. Not many authors, however, can match Father Nogar's competence in the various disciplines that contribute importantly to a balanced presentation of evolutionary doctrine. His scientific studies, concentrating on biology, are crowned by a graduate degree in theology and a doctorate in the philosophy of science. Such preparation has equipped him to write a book having a definite objective which he himself regards as unique in the field. The point of view dominating the exposition is not that of the research biologist or anthropologist, but rather that of the philosopher of science who is concerned with the whole range of implications suggested by the fact of evolution. Consequently the book is neither a specialized scientific treatise nor a professional course in philosophy. The aim is threefold, corresponding to the three major divisions of the volume. First, the proofs for the fact of evolution are examined. Secondly, the limits of evolution are carefully marked off. Thirdly, an attempt is made to give a synthesis of scientific evolution and to outline a sound philosophy of life in agreement with the facts as known at present. The exposition is clear throughout and many technical terms, inevitable in such an enterprise, are lucidly explained; the educated reader will seldom find himself beyond his depth. Part One is a truly remarkable review of the evidence for evolution. Beginning with paleontology, as is right, Fr. Nogar applies the "principle of economy": God ordinarily works in an orderly fashion through natural causes, not by miraculous intervention. The study leads to the reasonable conclusion that creationism in the Linnaean sense is a wholly unsatisfactory hypothesis. Unless one is willing to assume a host of creative acts to account for the hundreds of thousands of different origins of species, some form of evolution must be admitted. The only adequate explanation of the facts unearthed by paleontology is organic evolution, defined as descent with modification from common ancestry. The witness of paleontology, strong though it is, merely opens the case. A verdict in favor of evolution is the product of many lines of proof, marshaled with mounting force in successive chapters. Perception that all organisms which now live or have ever lived are the issue of genetic descent from remote and simple beginnings gains increasing clarity. The evidence 382 BOOK REVIEWS 383 brought forward by paleontology, genetics, biography, taxonomy, comparative anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, embryology, and other sciences, converge inexorably on a single conclusion: the evolution of life is undoubtedly the best explanation of the facts adduced by all these sciences. The very power of evolution raises a question: is the process of evolution limitless in extent, or does the mind in quest of truth have to recognize limits in its applicability? Part Two faces this problem, and starts out with an enquiry into human evolution. Has biological man originated from a biological stock in common with other anthropoids? Biological methods exhibit man's close structural and functional similarity to nonhuman primates. The same life procedures operate in man as in other mammals, and the similarity increases as we come to the great apes. The sciences of prehistory and biology, along with others, contribute testimony pointing to the same general conclusion: descent with modification. Nevertheless, the origin of man cannot be decided on the basis of his bodily nature alone. Evidence fumished by psychology and the cultural sciences brings out man's psychosocial superiority. Some of man's faculties and his behavior must have a spiritual source. The human soul, the spiritual principle of man's distinctive activities, lies beyond the scrutiny of the natural sciences. The theory of evolution cannot explain the origin of man as a whole, since it is unable to account fully for his spiritual and intellectual life, his history, and his destiny. In connection with the limits of evolution, Fr. Nogar takes pains to describe the various senses and values of the term " evolution...