"The Theory of Evolution: A History of Controversy" Dr. Edward J. Larson (DVD) (12 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 2x DVD - The Great Courses)
The Theory of Evolution: A History of Controversy explores the intellectual journey of one of science's most transformative ideas. Led by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Dr. Edward J. Larson, the course traces the roots of evolutionary thought from pre-Darwinian concepts through Charles Darwin’s landmark voyage on the HMS Beagle. It details how the publication of On the Origin of Species fundamentally shifted the scientific landscape, moving biology from a descriptive discipline to a predictive, historical science while sparking an immediate and intense global dialogue.
Beyond the laboratory and the field, these lectures examine the profound cultural and legal battles that followed. From the famous Scopes "Monkey" Trial of 1925 to modern debates over curriculum and "Intelligent Design," the course provides a balanced look at how evolutionary theory has interacted with religion, politics, and social philosophy. By placing these controversies in their historical context, the program helps learners understand why evolution remains a focal point of public debate more than 150 years after its introduction.
 
Bridging the gap between modern research and intellectual history, this course furthers Book Archaeology’s mission to explore the diverse landscapes of human knowledge and vitality.