Evolutionary Theory and Victorian Culture (Control of Nature) - Softcover

Martin Fichman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591020034 ISBN 13: 9781591020035

Publisher: Humanities Press, 2002

Synopsis

This absorbing study of the Victorian controversies over the cultural meaning of evolution broadens our perspective by discussing the roles played by prominent individuals besides Charles Darwin, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, Herbert Spencer, and Thomas Henry Huxley. Fichman traces the emergence of science as a definitive political and cultural force in this critical period, showing that evolutionary biology was at the epicenter of these profound sociocultural transformations. His astute analysis of the often vehement Victorian debates on the political, religious, racial, and ethical implications of evolutionary thought reveals how science came to be inseparable from the broader culture. He also relates 19th-century controversies to cultural debates in the 20th century, in particular the notorious Scopes trial (1925) and the later, and ongoing, debate about "scientific creationism." For all those fascinated, and perplexed, by the impact of evolutionary theory on our worldview, and the increasingly close ties between science and Western culture, Fichman's historical perspective lends much clarity and context to current controversies.

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Review:

."" . . documentation is good, and some insights will likely be new, as will the British perspective on both Victorian times and current American problems . . . for all humanists, scientists, and people of faith . . . Recommended."

Synopsis:

Although Charles Darwin was a central figure in the 19th-century development of evolutionary theory, we often tend to overlook the crucial role played by other leading thinkers of the time. For example, Alfred Russel Wallace independently arrived at nearly identical conclusions as Darwin on the origin and evolution of species. Furthermore, the phrase 'survival of the fittest', which most people now associate with Darwin, was actually coined by philosopher Herbert Spencer to describe the key mechanism of natural selection.And in the cultural debate on evolution no one played a more prominent role than Thomas Henry Huxley, known as 'Darwin's bulldog'. This absorbing study of the Victorian controversies over the cultural meaning of evolution broadens our perspective by emphasizing the contributions of these and other prominent individuals. Martin Fichman traces the emergence of science as a definitive political and cultural force in this critical period, showing that evolutionary biology was at the epicentre of these profound socio-cultural transformations.

His astute analysis of the often vehement Victorian debates on the political, religious, racial, and ethical implications of evolutionary thought reveals how science came to be inseparable from the broader culture. He also relates nineteenth-century controversies to cultural debates in the twentieth century, in particular the notorious Scopes trial (1925) and the ongoing debate about 'scientific creationism'.

About this edition

• Publisher: Humanities Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1591020034
• ISBN 13: 9781591020035
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256