The Theory of Evolution: A History of Controversy

By: Edward J. Larson, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Edward J. Larson

Charles Darwin's theory of organic evolution - the idea that life on earth is the product of purely natural causes, not the hand of God - set off shock waves that continue to reverberate through Western society, and especially the United States. What makes evolution such a profoundly provocative concept, so convincing to most scientists, yet so socially and politically divisive? These 12 eye-opening lectures are an examination of the varied elements that so often make this science the object of strong sentiments and heated debate.

Professor Larson leads you through the "evolution" of evolution, with an eye toward enhancing your understanding of the development of the theory itself and the roots of the controversies that surround it. Here, you'll explore pre-Darwinian theories of the origins of life, from Genesis and the ancient Greeks to such 18th- and 19th-century scientists as Georges Cuvier. You'll follow the life and work of Charles Darwin, and the impact of his 1859 masterpiece, On the Origin of Species (the first printing of Origin of Species sold out on the first day).

You'll examine the history of evolutionary science after Darwin-including the "rediscovery" of Gregor Mendel's work on genetic variation and the discovery of Piltdown Man, a fake evolutionary "missing link," in 1912. And you'll trace the history of religious objections to evolution, from those of Darwin's own time to contemporary efforts to teach creation science in American schools. Richly detailed yet accessible to any curious mind, these lectures offer an invaluable perspective on the volatile history of what is arguably the single most significant idea of modern times.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2002 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2002 The Great Courses

Delivers

I quite enjoyed listening to this lecture. It helped me construct a big picture of the evolution of evolutionary idea (the sentence writes itself!). Prof Larson gives a concise account of the controversy and to some extent, investigates its roots, without ever assuming a judgemental tone which I appreciated very much. I study evolution for a living and it just boggles my mind that there are a number of people in the world who would dispute evolution. However the name calling that passes for discussion on the web on this or any other topic, gets on my nerves. I found it very useful to understand the roots of this controversy from a non-passionate viewpoint.

I did not realise until after listening to the course that I have also read a book by Prof Larson on the same theme. I can recommend the book as a complement to this course for interested readers.

I would love it TGC could arrange for someone to extend this theme to a worldwide context, that is if evolution is controversial outside of the US.

The history of the theory of evolution

Not bad. Not particularly exciting, either, but a decent overview. Note that this is less of a biology textbook explaining evolution and more of a history textbook talking about the theory of evolution. What came before it, about Darwin's creation of it, competing theories at the time, and the ebb and flow of waves of opposition over the time since then.

interesting and developing

both performance and story are hard to evaluate for series of courses. However it was fascinating and understandable for any person, so don't be afraid that it's out of your level if you are interested in this topic

Intriguing

I love that many if these lectures give you a history of the time. It allows for the understanding of biases associated with the proponents and the opposition.

great overview of the science and debate

This was a very informative overview of the history of the theory of natural selection, and the controversy that has followed it throughout its development. Well worth hearing wherever you fall on the spectrum of accepting or rejecting the idea.