Darwin

Mon 1.03.11| The Perils of "Genohype"

Do genes determine race? Are some races innately more intelligent than others? And what about Charles Darwin -- is his name safe from those who would push a racist or misogynist agenda? Jonathan Marks points out political leanings and racial ideas still at play in some scientific disciplines, including genetics.

Mon 2.01.10| Hard-Wired for Goodness?

Survival of the fittest, or survival of the kindest? Where does the human capacity for goodness come from? And are human emotions social constructions, or are they wired into our nervous systems? In Born to Be Good, Dacher Keltner writes about the nature and evolutionary origins of kindness, compassion, awe, and other emotions. He also highlights Darwin's emphasis on human sympathy.

Tues 11.03.09| The Perils of "Genohype"

Do genes determine race? Are some races innately more intelligent than others? And what about Charles Darwin -- is his name safe from those who would push a racist or misogynist agenda? Jonathan Marks points out political leanings and racial ideas still at play in some scientific disciplines, including genetics.

Tues 6.30.09| Darwin, Evolution, and Slavery

Adrian Desmond & James Moore, Darwin's Sacred Cause: How a Hatred of Slavery Shaped Darwin's Views on Human Evolution Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009
Is it correct to say that Charles Darwin was a scientist par excellence, and that his theories were rooted solely in empirical study? Or might there have been another side to Darwin, a moral passion that spurred his research on evolution? James Moore contends that Darwin's obsession with human origins was fueled by his contempt for slavery.
All user-submitted comments owned by the Poster. All other content © Against the Grain, a program of KPFA Radio, 94.1fm Berkeley CA and online at KPFA.org. Against the Grain logo designed by Lise Dahms. A.T.G.'s theme music is by Dhamaal.