b. 1941
Richard Dawkins is a British evolutionary biologist and public intellectual best known for popularizing gene-centered evolution and for his rigorous critiques of theism and intelligent design. His work spans evolutionary theory, philosophy of biology, and the philosophy of religion, making him one of the most influential scientific voices in contemporary debates about God and naturalism.
Introduced the gene-centered view of evolution in 'The Selfish Gene' (1976)
Coined the concept of the 'meme' as a unit of cultural transmission
Authored 'The God Delusion', a landmark work in contemporary atheist philosophy
Developed the concept of the 'extended phenotype' in evolutionary biology
Served as the inaugural Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford