Just the Facts: Book Discussion Recap from June 27th

The book discussed was Darwin’s Ghosts: the secret history of evolution by Rebecca Stott. Charles Darwin compiled and wrote his groundbreaking work On the Origin of Species some twenty years before actually publishing it. Part of the reason for this was his continuing research and part was apprehension over the reaction to his radical theories. When friends of his learned that fellow naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace had independently arrived at the same conclusions as Darwin and was preparing a paper for publication, these same friends urged him to rush his book into print to establish priority. In doing so, he failed to include an introductory historical essay crediting those naturalists whose work had influenced him. He wrote and included the essay in following editions. Stott’s book is a history of those philosophers and scientists who laid the groundwork for Darwin. From Aristotle to Al-Jahiz to Denis Diderot and Darwin’s own grandfather Erasmus Darwin, the book is a fascinating history, or evolution, of evolution. Our conversation was lively and interesting, covering the role of religion in scientific research, the existence of God within evolutionary theory, established religion versus evolution and much more. While not contentious, opinions were expressed and different points of view explored. It was a very satisfying evening.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, July 25, 2013. The book to be discussed, The Fish That Ate the Whale: the life and times of America’s banana king by Rich Cohen, is available at the Circulation Desk. All are welcome to attend.