Subsections
[Cr:4, Lc:3, Tt:1, Lb:0]
This course will look at the genesis, the historical development and the
social, cultural and religious impact of Darwin's theory of evolution by
natural selection. Starting from pre-Darwinian ideas about creation of
the earth and life upon it, this course will trace the historical
development of Darwinism. We will try to place Darwin's contribution in
his social context of 19th century England, the center of the industrial
revolution, capitalism and imperialism. Along with an examination of
the scientific debates over adaptation and natural selection, we will
look at the social and religious implications of Darwinism. Debates
over sociobiology and creationism will be examined. We will also look at
the reception of Darwinism in India, including the attempts to reconcile
it with a Hindu worldview.
- Bowler, Peter, Evolution: The History of an Idea, University of
California, (2009).
- Brown, Mackenzie, Hindu Perspectives on Evolution: Darwin, Dharam and
Design, Routledge, (2012).
- Darwin, Charles, Collected works, edited by E.O. Wilson, From so
Small a Beginning Norton, (2006).
- Dawkins, Richard, The Blind Watchmaker, Norton, (1986),
- Gould, Stephen J., Ever Since Darwin, Norton, (1977).
- Mayer, Ernst, One Long Argument.: Charles Darwin and the Genesis of
Modern Evolutionary Thought, Harvard University Press, (1991).
- Ruse, Michael, Taking Darwin Seriously, Prometheus Press, (1998).
