Darwin’s Dangerous Idea

Jeffrey L. Richey, Ph.D.

GSTR 221-O: Western Traditions II Berea College Spring 2005

If one had to isolate a single all-consuming idea which has taken hold of the human race in the post political era in which we now live, it is the interrelatedness of natural forms – the fact that we are all on this planet together – human beings, mammals, fish, insects, trees – all dependent upon one another, all very unlikely to have a second chance of life either beyond the grave or through reincarnation, and therefore aware of the responsibilities incumbent upon custodians of the Earth. -- A. N. Wilson,

The Victorians

(2003), p. 230

BEFORE DARWIN

• • • Exact date of divine creation calculated by James Ussher (1581-1656): October 23, 4004 B.C., with no change in species since George Cuvier (1769-1832) proposes “catastrophism” as explanation for extinction, but did not accept theory that new species arise The Comte de Buffon (1707 1788) acknowledges change in species over time, but knows no explanation; estimates Earth’s age at 75,000 years • • • The Chevalier of Lamarck (1744-1829) explains change in species over time as “inheritance of acquired characteristics” Charles Lyell (1797-1875) rejects “catastrophism” in favor “uniformitarianism” (gradual change by regular forces and processes still acting on the Earth today – e.g., erosion, volcanic activity) By 1830s, change in species over time acknowledged by many, but explanation unknown

CHARLES DARWIN (1809-1882)

• • • Born to wealthy English manufacturing family (heir to Wedgwood china fortune) Studies theology at Cambridge University in preparation for Christian ministry At 22, becomes ship’s naturalist for H.M.S.

Beagle

’s voyage of global scientific exploration (1831-1836)

The Voyage of the

Beagle

THE ORIGINS OF THE

ORIGIN

• • • • In the Galapagos Islands, Darwin observes 13 different species of finch Only 1 species of finch exists on the nearest land mass, the South American mainland How did 1 species develop into 13 distinct species?

Darwin’s answer: “descent with modification” • • • The finches Darwin observes have beaks adapted to specific foods and regions Darwin hypothesizes that finches best adapted to their environment survive, thrive, and reproduce in larger numbers than finches that are less well adapted Darwin calls this “natural selection”

ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES

(1859)

• • • Darwin develops his theory of evolution by natural selection by 1838, but does not publish it In 1858, he receives a letter from Alfred Wallace (1823-1917), who reveals that he has independently developed an identical theory Wallace’s letter inspires Darwin to publish his theory and risk censure

Responses to Darwin

• Darwin is criticized on four points: 1.

The Earth is too young for evolution to have taken place 2.

Genetic factors dilute over time, making descent with modification impossible 3.

Only design can account for complex life forms 4.

The fossil record does not reveal “transitional forms” (missing links between species) • Most of these criticisms have since been refuted: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Earth = approximately 4.5 billion years old Genetics and DNA verify descent with modification “Design flaws” are abundant in nature, suggesting problematic or nonexistent purpose

Biologists continue to debate whether evolution is sudden or gradual

Consequences of Darwin

• • • For traditional Christians, human beings are God’s special creation, made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26) and different from all other life forms Regarding the world as changing and chaotic seems to deny God’s perfect design for it Many, but not all, Christians denounce Darwin as a heretic • • • For others, Darwin not only explains biology, but also society “Social Darwinism” applies natural selection to social problems such as race relations, poverty, and European global domination Many feel that Darwin ‘s discoveries justify unchecked capitalism, colonialism, and competition of all kinds

Thus, from the war of nature, from famine and death, the most exalted object which we are capable of conceiving, namely, the production of the higher animals, directly follows. There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.

-- Charles Darwin,

On the Origin of Species

(1859), 1 st ed.