Debate On "Darwin, Genetics, and Conservatism:Friends or Foes" At The Robert Taft Club
Marcus Epstein
Darwin, Genetics, and Conservatism: Friends or Foes
Charles Murray, John Derbyshire, Ron Bailey, Tom Bethell
When: Wednesday December 5, 7:30-10:00 PM Where: The Boulevard Woodgrill
2901 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22201 Get directions
Many conservatives are critical of Darwin's theory of evolution. Some base their reservation on religious grounds, while others criticize what they call Scientism — a belief that faith in Darwinism and/or science in general has become a secular religion. Others are concerned by the social and political conclusions that some advocates of Darwinism apply to human affairs.
At the same time,some conservatives believe that studies evolutionary and genetic theory have many conservative implications. Scientists in the fields of sociobiology and evolutionary psychology have suggested that human nature is fixed, rather than being a blank slate. Others argue that work in behavioral genetics shatter egalitarian notions. National Review editor John O'Sullivan has dubbed conservatives who apply these theories as "evol-cons."
Is the study of evolution and genetics necessary to understanding human nature and the limits of politics, or does it lead to what C.S. Lewis called "the abolition of man"?
To discuss these controversial issues will be:
Charles Murray: Dr. Murray is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He is the author of several books including Losing Ground, Human Accomplishment, What it Means to be a Libertarian, and the best-seller The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life.
Ron Bailey: Mr. Bailey is the science editor for Reason Magazine. He is the author of the new book Liberation Biology: The Moral and Scientific Case for the Biotech Revolution and ECOSCAM: The False Prophets of Ecological Apocalypse.
John Derbyshire: Mr. Derbyshire is a contributing editor at National Review. He writes frequently on the subject of evolution and genetics. He is the author of the books Seeing Calvin Coolidge in a Dream , Prime Obsession, and Unknown Quantity. Tom Bethell: Mr. Bethell is a senior editor at The American Spectator. He is the author of the book The Politically Incorrect Guide to Science, and The Noblest Triumph: Property and Prosperity Through the Ages.
The debate is open to the public, but e-mail me [marcusepstein@gmail.com] , and donations are appreciated