Contents
Richard Dawkins
Explaining evolution through The Selfish Gene and becoming a prominent advocate of atheism.
The Selfish Gene · The Blind Watchmaker
- Born
- 26 March 1941
- Birthplace
- Nairobi, Kenya
More people
Richard Dawkins
Richard Dawkins is a British evolutionary biologist and author whose books brought debates about genes, selection and religion to broad audiences.
Early life
Kenya to Britain
Born in Nairobi, he moved to England with his family as a child.
Oxford training
Studied zoology and researched animal behaviour under Nikolaas Tinbergen.
Career
- 1960s
Academic beginnings
Taught at Berkeley before returning to Oxford.
- 1976
The Selfish Gene
Published the book that established his wider reputation.
- 1995–2008
Public understanding of science
Held an Oxford professorship devoted to communicating science.
Selected books
The Selfish Gene
Explained evolution from a gene-centred perspective.
The Blind Watchmaker
Examined how natural selection produces complex adaptations.
The God Delusion
Presented arguments against religious belief.
Beyond biology
Foundation
Established a foundation promoting reason and scientific education.
Public debate
His criticism of religion has made him an influential and divisive commentator.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: Steve Jurvetson. CC BY 2.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
