The Genius of Charles Darwin

[skbuncks]

I've had a look around and cant see it posted anywhere so for those of you that missed it or were unaware of its existence Channel 4 is running a three part documentary to mark the 150th Anniversay of Charles Darwins "On the Origin of Species", presented by Richard Dawkins.

The first part was shown on monday (8pm) and will be available on 4oD for the next month (ish).

skb

[Tim the Mage]

I've had a look around and cant see it posted anywhere so for those of you that missed it or were unaware of its existence Channel 4 is running a three part documentary to mark the 150th Anniversay of Charles Darwins "On the Origin of Species", presented by Richard Dawkins.

The first part was shown on monday (8pm) and will be available on 4oD for the next month (ish).

skb

Bit disappointing as a programme - less exploring Darwin's contribution to science than an act of hero worship. I'm going off Dawkins - especially when he treats Darwin like some kind of atheist saint. Yuk!

Good idea spoiled by the wrong presenter - Richard Attenborough would have done a far better job.

[SimonC]

Bit disappointing as a programme - less exploring Darwin's contribution to science than an act of hero worship. I'm going off Dawkins - especially when he treats Darwin like some kind of atheist saint. Yuk!

Good idea spoiled by the wrong presenter - Richard Attenborough would have done a far better job.

I just watched the programme, and I'm afraid I have to disagree with you Tim. As a layman's introdution to Darwinism ( as a non-scientist, I count myself among the laymen ), and to the conflict between the evolutionary model and the religious/ID stance, I thought it was quite concise, understated and well-presented.

I didn't really get the 'hero worship' to be honest, and just found it straightforward and factual. I'm looking forward to the next episode, which seemingly will address some of the moral issues surrounding Darwinism/evolution.

I give it one of these , hopefully with more to follow.

[SimonC]

And, I should have said - many thanks, Skbuncks, for mentioning the programme.

Welcome to UKS.

[Croydon Bob]

Good idea spoiled by the wrong presenter - Richard Attenborough would have done a far better job.

Richard A would have been a strange choice. David A would have made more sense.

[FarSideOfTheMoon]

I didn't have a problem with the programme. Dawkins says what he really thinks which is admirable these days.

We also need to rememebr these programmes aren't just targets at know-it-all skeptics like ourselves - their purpose is also to educate people who may know absolutely nothing about Darwin.

[Tim the Mage]

Richard A would have been a strange choice. David A would have made more sense.

Thanks for the correction!

[Allo Allo]

I think David Attenborough would have been an excellent presenter! Yes.

I am a Dawkins fan. The only time I cringe is when he gets proselytizing and his zeal overcome his sense of consideration for the beliefs of others. The reason I cringe is because he then reminds me of a preacher thumping the lexicon and yelling 'All those who don't accept what I say will be going to hell!' And I had enough of that many years ago....

[Tim the Mage]

I think David Attenborough would have been an excellent presenter! Yes.

I am a Dawkins fan. The only time I cringe is when he gets proselytizing and his zeal overcome his sense of consideration for the beliefs of others. The reason I cringe is because he then reminds me of a preacher thumping the lexicon and yelling 'All those who don't accept what I say will be going to hell!' And I had enough of that many years ago....

It was that and the "Charles Darwin was the greatest scientific genius" ever stuff! Despite that I'll watch the rest of the series if only to see whether CD's grandfather gets a namecheck!

[Matt]

It was that and the "Charles Darwin was the greatest scientific genius" ever stuff! Despite that I'll watch the rest of the series if only to see whether CD's grandfather gets a namecheck!

Darwin's Grandfather...?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmus_Darwin#Family_tree

I didn't know that. Thanks

[Allo Allo]

Darwin's Grandfather...?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmus_Darwin#Family_tree

I didn't know that. Thanks

I bet not a lot of people know that! (Benny Hill)

I didn't!

Read the whole page - absolutely fascinating - what an extraordinary man! Even more extraordinary than his grandson....fancy that.

Nice link - thanks Matt

[Mulder]

The thing about this TV series is that it is about the genius of Darwin. So, I think we should expect a bit of eulogising. As such, I thought it did a reasonable job. It is also clearly aimed at the large number of people who don't believe in evolution because, as Dawkins points out, they were told religious ideas first. The programme may seem simplistic to people here but to the general public it will, alas, be a revelation!

[Tim the Mage]

I bet not a lot of people know that! (Benny Hill)

I didn't!

Read the whole page - absolutely fascinating - what an extraordinary man! Even more extraordinary than his grandson....fancy that.

Nice link - thanks Matt

There is a very good 'biography' of the Lunar Society: "The Lunar Men: A Story of Science, Art, Invention & Passion" by Jenny Uglow

[median]

Well I just saw the 2nd episode of the aforementioned and whilst I quite like Dawkins I find the 'confrontation with religion' bits stand out at odds.

I think, perhaps the series should be more implicit in it's religious objection (although I am, I admit, looking forward to next weeks episode).

Also, I did find quite amusing that he started off with the concept of man as animal, fifth ape etc. but in the end almost advocated a special status that would transcend our genes...Mmmm