Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Darwin Week?
A: Darwin Week is a celebration of the life and contributions of Charles Darwin—a man whose ideas have had a profound effect on our modern world.
Q: Why celebrate Darwin?
A: Charles Darwin was one of the greatest scientists in history. His theory of evolution forms the basis of all modern biology; as Theodosius Dobzhanksy put it, "nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." Darwin's work extended well beyond evolution, though, as he made contributions to several other areas of biology, including animal behavior and botany, as well as to fields such as anthropology and even geology. Few people have had such an impact on science, or on society as a whole, as did Charles Darwin.
Q: Why this week?
A: February 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth (he was born February 12, 1809). In addition, Darwin published his most famous work On the Origin of Species in 1859, and so this year marks the 150th anniversary of that important event.
Q: Aren't Darwin and his ideas about evolution controversial?
A: There is no real controversy within science about the validity of evolution, and today scientists are using modern tools to better understand the mechanisms of evolutionary change as well as the history of life on earth. Basically, Darwin got it right and we are now striving for deeper understanding. One purpose of Darwin Week is to help people better understand, and appreciate, Darwin's ideas and the impact they have had. Toward that end, we will be having public presentations and discussions on the science underlying evolutionary theory, common misunderstandings about evolution, and the relevance of evolution to everyday life.
Q: But a lot of people are opposed to teaching evolution in schools, right?
A: Although evolution is not a controversial topic in science, there is a very vigorous debate in our society about how and when evolution should be taught, and this debate has led to some heated battles in court. Edward Humes, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author wrote the book Monkey Girl about these battles and the reasons why some Americans reject the idea of evolution despite the scientific support. Mr. Humes will be giving a public lecture, and also signing books, during Darwin Week. In addition, we will be showing the film Judgment Day, which is an award-winning documentary about a recent court battle over the teaching of evolution.
Q: Is WSU the only place that is celebrating the Darwin bicentennial?
A: Not at all. Events celebrating Darwin are being held across the globe. To see just some of them, go to this site http://www.darwinday.org.
Q: Were any other famous people born on the same day as Darwin?
A: As a matter of fact, Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln were both born on the same day—February 12, 1809. Both men have had a pronounced effect on our society. Interestingly, Darwin was a passionate abolitionist opposed to slavery, and therefore respected Lincoln a great deal.
Q: Why do so many Americans reject the idea of evolution?
A: This is an excellent question, and one that is hard to answer. Part of the answer, though, might be that most movies that we watch do a terrible job of portraying evolutionary history. To see for yourself, come see One Million Years B.C., a classic 1966 film starring Raquel Welch. The film doesn't do a very good job with the science, but it sure is hilarious to watch!
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As a young man, Charles Darwin sailed around the world aboard the HMS Beagle. The things he saw on that epic voyage made him realize that life changed over time, that living species today have descended from common ancestors in the past, and that something he called "natural selection" was the main driving force behind this change. Today Darwin's key insights permeate all of science and form the basis of modern biology.
Even today, exhibits all across the world are dedicated to honoring Darwin and teaching his ideas.