Philosophy
Darwin has become an icon of scientific virtue, not only because he sought naturalistic explanations for the biological phenomena around him, as well as the mechanisms through which nature, unaided by some supernatural force or agency, would gradually provide such answers, or because he refused to make his theory public before amassing enough evidence to convince any reasonable skeptic, but because he worked so hard and for so long to test whether his dazzling hypothesis had more than just beauty and logical coherence behind it.
Yet, and this is the paradox, Darwin's theory relied on the faithful assumption of information that Darwin simply did not have. What's more, in some respects, Darwin was fully aware of his ignorance (of the mechanism responsible for heredity, for instance). And yet, for the past century and a half, Darwin's predictions have been borne out by even the most surprising and unanticipated gusts of evidence.
In today's documentary, evolutionary biologist Armand Leroi explores these questions and tickles our minds with challenges to Darwinian evolution, as well as with the possibility of witnessing the birth of the evolution of evolution itself...
- Darwin's Dangerous Idea - Born Equal
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection provides a wonderful scientific explanation of biological adaptation and diversity. The theory is wonderful. The process of evolution itself is torturous, blind, indifferent, and cruel....
- Darwin Site Of Worth..."the Dispersal Of Darwin"
A good site to visit regarding all things Darwin established and maintained by Michael Barton. the Dispersal of Darwin And these sites too... Darwin Correspondence Project The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online ...
- Olivia Judson [new York Times] Celebrates Darwin
Olivia Judson of The New York Times has begun a series of essays on Charles Darwin. "In a week or so, the trumpets will sound, heralding the start of 18 months of non-stop festivities in honor of Charles Darwin. July 1, 2008, is the 150th anniversary...
- Bicentenary Of Charles Darwin--2-12-09
"The year 2009 will be the bicentenary of Charles Darwin's birth on 12 February 1809, and the 150th anniversary of the publication of Origin of Species, on 24 November 1859." Might as well get started... A free online book. Darwin in Russian Thought...
- Berkeley Groks
The half-hour program is equal parts newscast and freewheeling conversation between the two hosts, Ling and Lee, who cover the week’s developments in the scientific world with an approachable, funny, and at times downright irreverent style. Sample:...
Philosophy
What Darwin Didn't Know
Darwin has become an icon of scientific virtue, not only because he sought naturalistic explanations for the biological phenomena around him, as well as the mechanisms through which nature, unaided by some supernatural force or agency, would gradually provide such answers, or because he refused to make his theory public before amassing enough evidence to convince any reasonable skeptic, but because he worked so hard and for so long to test whether his dazzling hypothesis had more than just beauty and logical coherence behind it.Yet, and this is the paradox, Darwin's theory relied on the faithful assumption of information that Darwin simply did not have. What's more, in some respects, Darwin was fully aware of his ignorance (of the mechanism responsible for heredity, for instance). And yet, for the past century and a half, Darwin's predictions have been borne out by even the most surprising and unanticipated gusts of evidence.
In today's documentary, evolutionary biologist Armand Leroi explores these questions and tickles our minds with challenges to Darwinian evolution, as well as with the possibility of witnessing the birth of the evolution of evolution itself...
Hungry for more Darwin? Indulge yourself...
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- Darwin's Dangerous Idea - Born Equal
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection provides a wonderful scientific explanation of biological adaptation and diversity. The theory is wonderful. The process of evolution itself is torturous, blind, indifferent, and cruel....
- Darwin Site Of Worth..."the Dispersal Of Darwin"
A good site to visit regarding all things Darwin established and maintained by Michael Barton. the Dispersal of Darwin And these sites too... Darwin Correspondence Project The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online ...
- Olivia Judson [new York Times] Celebrates Darwin
Olivia Judson of The New York Times has begun a series of essays on Charles Darwin. "In a week or so, the trumpets will sound, heralding the start of 18 months of non-stop festivities in honor of Charles Darwin. July 1, 2008, is the 150th anniversary...
- Bicentenary Of Charles Darwin--2-12-09
"The year 2009 will be the bicentenary of Charles Darwin's birth on 12 February 1809, and the 150th anniversary of the publication of Origin of Species, on 24 November 1859." Might as well get started... A free online book. Darwin in Russian Thought...
- Berkeley Groks
The half-hour program is equal parts newscast and freewheeling conversation between the two hosts, Ling and Lee, who cover the week’s developments in the scientific world with an approachable, funny, and at times downright irreverent style. Sample:...