Charles Darwin: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Saturday July 25 to Saturday, August 1
Theme: Exploring the lasting significance of the evolutionary ideas of Charles Darwin, author of the Origin of Species.
2009 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the Origin of Species, the volume introducing the theory of evolution by natural selection. Today, the significance of this theory is beyond dispute. And yet, Darwinism remains highly contentious. More than fifty percent of Americans deny evolution, opting rather for a Genesis-based view of life—six days of Creation, 6000 years ago, miraculous appearance of the first humans, subsequent universal flood.
Michael Ruse will give the morning lectures, exploring the scientific, philosophical, and religious implications of evolution. The evening lectures, by Joseph Travis, former editor of American Naturalist, and by scholar of science and religion Matthew Day, will look at the ongoing research program in evolutionary studies. Joe will strongly stress challenges for the teaching of evolutionary themes. Matt will look at the "new atheists" (like Richard Dawkins) as well Darwin's near contemporaries, especially Sigmund Freud. The afternoons will be devoted to workshops: study of fauna and flora of the island archipelago as well as of the importance of the ocean for human and the rest of life, literature and science, art and drama, science teaching techniques and challenges, and much more.
All individuals or family units will receive a copy of Evolution: The First Four Billion Years, edited by Michael Ruse and Joseph Travis, published by Harvard University Press.
Youth Program: Professionally designed and led program centered on conference theme and natural history for youth 4-17.
Conference Programming Chair: William Falla, bfall@enter.net, 610-432-8711
Humanities Conference Chair: Michael Ruse, mruse@fsu.edu, 850-224-6811
Science Conference Chair: Joseph Travis, jtravis@fsu.edu, 850-644-5434
Minister of the Week: William (Bill) Falla, St. John's UCC-Mickleys, Whitehall, PA
Registration: A room and board deposit of $150/person and a registration fee of $135/adult (1 book), $235/couple (1 book) and $100/youth (4-17 yrs) [up to family maximum of $525] are due with registration. Registration is free for children under 4 and parents are responsible for them at all times.
- Please mail:
- One check, payable to "Star Island Corporation" (memo "Darwin Conference")
- Completed registration form
- and business-sized SASE ($0.63) to Bonnie Falla, 810 ½ N. 9th St.., Allentown, PA, 18102, bfall@enter.net, 610-432-8711. The registration fee and full room and board deposit are refundable until June 13, 2009.