Evolutionary Theory & Victorian Culture (Control of Nature) [Paperback]

Martin Fichman (Author), Morton L. Schagrin (Editor), Michael Ruse (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1591020034 | ISBN-13: 978-1591020035 | Publication Date: November 2002

Although Charles Darwin was a central figure in the 19th-century development of evolutionary theory, we often tend to overlook the crucial role played by other leading thinkers of the time. For example, Alfred Russel Wallace independently arrived at nearly identical conclusions as Darwin on the origin and evolution of species. Furthermore, the phrase 'survival of the fittest', which most people now associate with Darwin, was actually coined by philosopher Herbert Spencer to describe the key mechanism of natural selection. And in the cultural debate on evolution no one played a more prominent role than Thomas Henry Huxley, known as 'Darwin's bulldog'. This absorbing study of the Victorian controversies over the cultural meaning of evolution broadens our perspective by emphasising the contributions of these and other prominent individuals. Martin Fichman traces the emergence of science as a definitive political and cultural force in this critical period, showing that evolutionary biology was at the epicentre of these profound socio-cultural transformations. His astute analysis of the often vehement Victorian debates on the political, religious, racial, and ethical implications of evolutionary thought reveals how science came to be inseparable from the broader culture. He also relates nineteenth-century controversies to cultural debates in the twentieth century, in particular the notorious Scopes trial (1925) and the ongoing debate about 'scientific creationism'.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...for all humanists, scientists, and people of faith...recommended." -- Choice, June 2003

"...lucid, succinct, and historiographically up-to-date...nicely organized for quick reference..." -- Journal of the History of Biology Vol.36 (2003)

"...thought-provoking..." -- Reference & Research Book News, May 2003

"A very good introduction to the study of evolutionism and the importance of political and cultural aspects attached to it." -- Journal of the History of the Behavioural Sciences, Fall 2003

About the Author

Martin Fichman is professor of humanities and history at York University and the author of SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY and ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE: A BIOGRAPHY.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Humanity Books (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591020034
• ISBN-13: 978-1591020035
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,163,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Not all that big of science book reader?, June 11, 2008

By 

dirtymc (new jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Evolutionary Theory & Victorian Culture (Control of Nature) (Paperback)

I recently completed this book as part of science/politics course. The reason that I gave it four stars is becuase I didn't feel all that comfortable giving a book 5 stars when I really have very few texts to compare it to. If you are one of these people that believe in creationism then this is a must read, it will show how truly groundbreaking Darwin's theory is.(I would personally call it a fact or law, IMHO)Even if it doesn't change your views on the subject, you will be a better person for listening to as much information as possible before making idealogical choices. This book does an excellent job of presenting you the information and leaving the ultimate judgement call in your hands.