On 29 Jan 2009 at 21:36, Gerald Peterson wrote: > As Darwin's birthday approaches perhaps some--even in psychology > classes, may have class discussions relevant to the role of science, > evolution, and religion? <snip> Sometimes the question about the > relation between science and religion surfaces<snip>Here is a review > that suggests the culture wars in this area will likely continue:
www.tnr.com/story_print.html?id=1e3851a3-bdf7-438a-ac2a-a5e381a70472 The review is partly of a book titled "Saving Darwin: How to be a Christian and Believe in Evolution" The title reminds me that one of the chief arguments advanced in favour of organized religion is that it is claimed to provide moral direction as opposed to the Godless (and therefore amoral) worldview of evolutionists. Consequently, it's interesting that a new major work on Darwin has just been published, by Adrian Desmond and James Moore, authors of an earlier significant biography of the great man. In their latest work, recently reviewed in _New Scientist_, (http://tinyurl.com/btqrfo) they advance the thesis that Darwin was driven to his magnificent theory by his abhorrence of slavery. Today we consider opposition to slavery a moral position of the highest degree. If Desmond and Moore are right about Darwin's motivation, it's remarkable to think that Darwin held such views at a time when most, including many religious authorities, defended the practice of slavery. It would be a challenge for those who argue there is no morality without religion to explain how a man they consider Godless and who created the ultimate Godless theory, could nevertheless be so enlightened and moral in his views. As the review notes, "Darwin was not a dispassionate scientist, he was a passionate humanitarian". Desmond, A., and Moore, J. (2009). Darwin's sacred cause: How a hatred of slavery shaped Darwin's views on human evolution. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Stephen ----------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Emeritus Bishop's University e-mail: [email protected] 2600 College St. Sherbrooke QC J1M 1Z7 Canada Subscribe to discussion list (TIPS) for the teaching of psychology at http://flightline.highline.edu/sfrantz/tips/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
