Great Books IV Spring 2008

The Origin of Species - Charles Darwin

Natura non facit saltum

Reading/Discussion Schedule

March 24: Introduction & Chapters 1-4; March 27: Chapters 5-6, 9, 10, 14

Discussion Prompts

March 24

QdJ:  Which parent do you most resemble?

Read the Introduction to Henri Bergson's Creative Evolution.

  1. In what ways do each of the following illustrate the concepts of Variation and the Struggle for Existence:  the Internet, Cloning, Political Processes, Feminism, Flu Season, Slavery, Aids Virus, Seed Varieties.
  2. Add your own entries to the above list.
  3. What is the most critical factor affecting variation?
  4. What does unconscious natural selection look like?
  5. Why is death important to Darwin's theory?

March 27

QdJ: Confess your personal  biases about evolution.

  1. Which refutations of Darwin's Theory are most difficult, according to Darwin?
  2. Read up on Intelligent Design.
  3. Read Bergson's account of the role of time.
  4. Give an example of a process where evolution is wholly absent.
  5. Bring your own questions, especially in connection to other works we have read in Great Books.