MALIBU, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Across the globe this November noted academic institutions and leading science
centers are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin`s On the Origin
of Species. In Southern California, the only in-depth conference on this seminal
book will take place at Pepperdine University, a Christian institution whose
religious heritage embraces traditional Biblical views of Creation.
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21, Pepperdine will stage a two-day conference
called Why Darwin Still Matterswhen celebrated scholars will explore the grip
that On the Origin of Species has had on our intellect and imagination.
Published Nov. 24, 1859, Darwin`s On the Origin of Species documents his theory
of natural selection.
"Scientifically, it is our best theory for why we have such wonderful biological
complexity in this world," explains Chris Doran, assistant professor of religion
at Pepperdine`s Seaver College, noting that very few areas of study remain
untouched by Darwin`s theory. "Attendees of the conference will hear why Darwin
is still important historically, philosophically, and theologically, and why
this is still a big deal 150 years later." Doran also noted, "Most Americans
think that the only way science and religion can relate is through conflict or
either/or scenarios such as either evolution or creation. We hope to demonstrate
another way."
The conference starts at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20. Ron Numbers, Coleman and
Hilldale Professor of the History of Science and Medicine at the University of
Wisconsin in Madison, will speak on "Creationism Goes Global" and chart the path
of creationism, or "antievolutionism."
The direct statement "Why Darwin Still Matters" will be addressed by Michael
Ruse, Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor at Florida State University. His talk is
titled "Has Darwinism Passed Its `Sell-By` Date?: Reflections on The Origin of
Species at 150 Years."
Next will be Pulitzer Prize winning author Ed Larson, a Pepperdine University
professor and the Hugh & Hazel Darling Chair in Law. The author of "Summer for
the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America`s Continuing Debate Over Science and
Religion" will explore Darwin and the Victorian Soul.
The film "What a Piece of Work is Man" will follow Larson`s talk and the day
will conclude with a roundtable discussion and closing comments by Nancey
Murphy, professor of Christian Philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary.
The conference will continue at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 with David Mindell,
dean of science and Harry W. and Diana V. Hind Chair at the California Academy
of Sciences. His lecture titled "Evolution in the Everyday World" will connect
many divergent applications to evolution including agriculture, managing
epidemics, and the pursuit of justice.
Also on Saturday, Eugenie Scott, executive director of the National Center for
Science Education, will speak followed by Patricia Gowaty, who will explain how
Darwin`s theory plays into reproduction and gender roles.
Professor Larson hopes that students and community members alike will take the
time to consider the influence of Darwin on this anniversary. "Most people are
largely forgotten soon after they die. Not Darwin," says Larson. "In books,
magazines, movies, and blogs, people throughout the world are still debating
Darwin and his theories. As the world recognizes the 200th anniversary of
Darwin`s birth, and the 150th anniversary of the book, this conference seeks to
address why Darwin still matters."
For more information or to register, visit www.seaver.pepperdine.edu/darwin.
Pepperdine University
Molly Drobnick, 310-506-6586
molly.drobnick@pepperdine.edu
Copyright Business Wire 2009
