Theme summary
So wrote Charles Darwin in the conclusion to his On the Origin of Species (first edition, 1859): a work of far-reaching significance for an understanding of what it means to be human. If Darwin’s theories were initially ‘difficult to believe’, they now enjoy wide acceptance, yet contemporary thinking about evolution is itself in a continually evolving state. To explore the ongoing ferment of ideas about the impact of Darwinian thought on a range of academic disciplines, the IAS chose the Legacy of Charles Darwin as its inaugural theme for 2006/07.
This theme showcased a major series of interdisciplinary public lectures, organised by Professor Nicholas Saul (Modern Languages and Cultures) and Professor Patricia Waugh (English Studies); a conference on Darwin, Science and Belief organised by Dr Alex Bentley (Anthropology); a seminar series on the Legacies of Darwin in relation to Earth, Life and Mind organised by Professor Michael Summerfield (IAS Fellow/Edinburgh University); a public lecture series on Reading Genesis after Darwin organised by the Dr Stephen Barton (Theology); and an Evolutionary Musicology Conference organised by Dr Bennett Zon (Music).
Legacy of Darwin publications
Theme fellows
To learn more about the Fellows from this theme, see the 2006/07 Darwin Fellows page.
