Book Review: Not by Chance!: Shattering the Modern Theory of Evolution

Author: Dr. Lee Spetner
Spiritual Bias: Jewish (I think?)
Origins Bias: Directed Evolutionist
Rating: Middle of the Road
Level: Advanced

Comments: Dr. Spetner analyzes neo-Darwinian evolution through the eyes of information theory. He explains in very great detail that if random mutations are to be considered the source of new genetic informations upon which natural selection works that naturalistic evolution is improbable. Spetner also puts forth his specific theory of directed evolution which he terms the nonrandom evolutionary hypothesis. The book is moderately well written but is very math-heavy which might make it outside of the reach of many.

Summary Quote: "I have indicated in this chapter that there is no evidence that genetic information can build up through a series of small steps of microevolution. Mutations needed for these small steps have never been observed. By far, most observed mutations have been harmful to the organism. We have seen that there are some point mutations that, under the right circumstances, do give the organism an advantage. There are point mutations that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics. There are some that make insects resistant to insecticides. There are some that increase quantitative traits in farm plants and animals. But all these mutations reduce the information in the gene by making a protein less specific. They add no information, and they add no new molecular capability. Indeed, all mutations studied destroy information. None of them can serve as an example of a mutation that can lead to the large changes of macroevolution."