The Theory of Evolution: A History of Controversy
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
£0.00 for first 30 days
The Theory of Evolution: A History of Controversy
Buy Now for £12.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Edward J. Larson
About this listen
Charles Darwin's theory of organic evolution - the idea that life on earth is the product of purely natural causes, not the hand of God - set off shock waves that continue to reverberate through Western society, and especially the United States. What makes evolution such a profoundly provocative concept, so convincing to most scientists, yet so socially and politically divisive? These 12 eye-opening lectures are an examination of the varied elements that so often make this science the object of strong sentiments and heated debate.
Professor Larson leads you through the "evolution" of evolution, with an eye toward enhancing your understanding of the development of the theory itself and the roots of the controversies that surround it. Here, you'll explore pre-Darwinian theories of the origins of life, from Genesis and the ancient Greeks to such 18th- and 19th-century scientists as Georges Cuvier. You'll follow the life and work of Charles Darwin, and the impact of his 1859 masterpiece, On the Origin of Species (the first printing of Origin of Species sold out on the first day).
You'll examine the history of evolutionary science after Darwin-including the "rediscovery" of Gregor Mendel's work on genetic variation and the discovery of Piltdown Man, a fake evolutionary "missing link," in 1912. And you'll trace the history of religious objections to evolution, from those of Darwin's own time to contemporary efforts to teach creation science in American schools. Richly detailed yet accessible to any curious mind, these lectures offer an invaluable perspective on the volatile history of what is arguably the single most significant idea of modern times.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2002 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2002 The Great CoursesListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about The Theory of Evolution: A History of Controversy
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 18-03-18
Good
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Good overview of how evolution theory came to slowly dominate the scientific thought & the different conflicts with christian thought. I thought he was even handed, tracing some of the problems with the theory in the fossil record & concluding with short quotes from R Dawkins on one hand & P Johnson (ID proponent) on the other and suggesting there is more to come in this debate.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sarah
- 06-06-20
Very well written
Amazing book, simple and very well written
The theory of intelligent Design was not given much mention or credit
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Arnold Cossor
- 18-07-16
Quite superb.
Where does The Theory of Evolution: A History of Controversy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
One of the best audiobooks I have listened to so far.
What did you like best about this story?
This is a superb introduction to the subject.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
The discussion on genetics was particularly good.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- John Higgins
- 16-07-21
Good but very US focused
Essentially a good lecturer and materials, sometime a little sketchy in dealing with some important early geologists.
However the focus of much of the material is on the USA, covering the antagonism of the (US) Christian fundamentalist movements to evolution, making a lot of the material irrelevant for anyone not wishing to delve deeply into this. While globally important enough to justify some discussion, the depth is disproportionate and at the expense of omitting some far more interesting debates and controversies still unresolved from a scientific perspective.
Really needs a warning for non-US listeners that it is angled toward the enduring US education crisis.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- PavLove
- 14-03-21
Good overall for those who like to learn
These lectures are about history rather than deep dive into the concept. Very simply presented and thus can be heard in the background without any thinking skills involved.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- sagradin
- 24-02-23
Excellent overview
Great introduction to the subject, relatively short but informative and even handed. Would warmly recommend.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- The Phantom Agent
- 01-09-22
Darwin's Finches
A well put together account in a concise format. Covers the history and the science of evolutionary theory.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Muzak
- 08-10-22
Evenhanded view of a controversial subject.
Really enjoyed this talk, especially the parts about the rise of creationism. Difficult concepts were really well explained within their historical context. Would recommend to anyone who has interest in the subject.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- John Turner
- 29-12-22
very good
30 years on; I really enjoyed getting into the detail of one of my favourite school subjects.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance1 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- cosylan
- 25-01-23
Returning this.
I am not interested in religious attempts to portray their creation myths as science. This is another attempt to muddy the waters and surreptitiously install these myths into science.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!