12 Feb 2009

EVOLUTION


A bit late, but still in time to celebrate Charles Darwin's 200th birthday, I'd like to devote a post to this influential scientist.

Although Darwin's work did not constitute an object of study in FilologĂ­a Inglesa, at least at the UNED, the effect of his theories on literature, especially in the first half of the 20th century, were part of the syllabus for PENSAMIENTO Y CREACION LITERARIA INGLESA EN EL SIGLO XX. Defenders and opponents to Darwinism raised a social debate that permeated different spheres of culture. The ideas of 'evolution' and 'degeneration' took shape in literary works such as H.G.Wells's The Time Machine.

Having a look at some websites with contents related to Darwin, I've come across this Open University page, which among facts and other kinds of information, invites us to "monkey around a little". I've followed their advice and saw my (d)evolution!




3 comments:

  1. It´s amazing to see how many people, after 200 years, still regard Evolution as a fantasy. At the end of the day, people believe just what they want to believe and proofs mean nothing, absolutely nothing.
    Juan F.

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  2. Today I read this in Scientific American:
    http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=charles-darwin-confessions
    - But if you want to read a GREAT novel on Charles Darwin's Beagle journey, try THIS THING OF DARKNESS, by Harry Thompson. Memorable.

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