Evolution on trial
n Professor discusses award-winning book
By: Beth Spencer
Issue date: 3/17/10 Section: News
Pulitzer prize-winning author Edward Larson was the first person to lecture in the new University Center's theater last night when he spoke about Darwinism and the Dayton Tenn. Scopes trial.
More than 200 students, faculty and community members gathered to hear Larson's speech, ""Dayton to Dover: Darwinism on Trial, Then and Now," which is based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion."
In the 1925 trial, also known as the "monkey trial," evolutionists and creationists faced off about what origin theory to teach in public schools.
"The American controversy over creation and evolution is primarily fought over what is taught in United States public high school biology classes," Larson said. "Virtually no one disputes teaching the theory of evolution in public colleges and universities or using public funds to support evolutionary research or medicine - it's all done in evolutionary framework."
The debate is still a heated subject, which could continue as long as people's opinions are at odds, he said.
"America is sort of in the middle," Larson said, comparing the U.S. to other countries. "As a diverse people, we have learned to seek middle ground wherever possible. As a species, however, we instinctively respond to stirring order."
Clint Norwood, English graduate student at The U of M, said he thinks evolutionary theory should be taught in high schools because it is backed by science.
"(That the issue is still debated), even in the year 2010, seems a little backward," he said. "I'm interested to see the reactions to the acceptance of evolution."
Norwood said he thinks the issue is still looming because the U.S. has a strong religious background.
"It's just that there's an overwhelming religious influence around here," he said. "It's interesting to see people like us intellectual types kind of listen to them and see their reactions. I guarantee at least about half of the people in here are church people still."
More than 200 students, faculty and community members gathered to hear Larson's speech, ""Dayton to Dover: Darwinism on Trial, Then and Now," which is based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion."
In the 1925 trial, also known as the "monkey trial," evolutionists and creationists faced off about what origin theory to teach in public schools.
"The American controversy over creation and evolution is primarily fought over what is taught in United States public high school biology classes," Larson said. "Virtually no one disputes teaching the theory of evolution in public colleges and universities or using public funds to support evolutionary research or medicine - it's all done in evolutionary framework."
The debate is still a heated subject, which could continue as long as people's opinions are at odds, he said.
"America is sort of in the middle," Larson said, comparing the U.S. to other countries. "As a diverse people, we have learned to seek middle ground wherever possible. As a species, however, we instinctively respond to stirring order."
Clint Norwood, English graduate student at The U of M, said he thinks evolutionary theory should be taught in high schools because it is backed by science.
"(That the issue is still debated), even in the year 2010, seems a little backward," he said. "I'm interested to see the reactions to the acceptance of evolution."
Norwood said he thinks the issue is still looming because the U.S. has a strong religious background.
"It's just that there's an overwhelming religious influence around here," he said. "It's interesting to see people like us intellectual types kind of listen to them and see their reactions. I guarantee at least about half of the people in here are church people still."