Evolution - Cambridge Annual Theme Lecture (Cambridge Annual Theme Lecture)

Author: Fei Bieen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The concept of evolution is understood differently by different people. For biologists, it means genetic evolution. In other disciplines, it can refer to changes or developments over time. Evolution sometimes carries the connotation of gradualism, distinguishing it from revolution. This book collects eight articles discussing evolutionary issues, with contributing authors being renowned scientists and scholars from relevant fields. Most authors explain why they chose to discuss their topics in the way they did. S. J. Gould discusses Darwin's concept of evolution itself; L. Wolpert discusses cells and embryos; J. Diamond discusses current political divisions (in broad strokes); T. Ingold discusses society; G. Rees discusses the universe; F. Dyson discusses the scientific endeavor; R. Rogers discusses the evolution of London, focusing on its current state; G. Bill discusses the development of the novel, explaining the influence of the concept of evolution on novel writing. Across the various articles in this book, there is little debate about the evolutionary process itself as proposed by Darwin. However, there is significant controversy surrounding the recent new interpretations of evolution (neo-Darwinism and radical Darwinism). The main skepticism arises from the shift in focus from physical and biological sciences to the social sciences in exploring life's questions.