Charles Darwin: Evolution's Voice

In 1859, Charles Darwin published On The Origins of the Species and set into motion a debate that still rages almost a century and a half later. Darwin's theory of evolution challenged religious accounts of the origin of humankind, known as creationism. Darwin, a gentle man whose illness made him almost a total recluse, knew well that his theory would cause a sensation and had waited over twenty years to publish it. Today, the debate continues, but most scientists believe that Darwin's theory of natural selection is correct. This episode of Biography looks at the life and work of Charles Darwin, the man who changed the course of intellectual history. Charles Darwin: Evolution's Voice would be useful for classes on World History, World Culture, Biology, Science and Technology, Theology and Western Civilization. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• apprehensive
• aristocrat
• avid
• caricature
• consummate
• decorum
• dismay
• disrepute
• dominated
• dormant
• elated
• engage
• evolution
• expound
• fervor
• fraudulent
• heresy
• imbibed
• imbued
• imperiled
• improbable
• interred
• intimidated
• invalid
• oblivious
• pariah
• poignant
• profound
• succumb
• superfluous
• transmutation
• zeal

1. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution rocked the 19th century religious and intellectual world. Why was his theory so revolutionary?

2. Darwin is considered one of the most important figures in world history. Do you agree? If so, why? If not, why not?

3. How did Darwin's theory change the world?

4. Charles Darwin did poorly in school as a young boy. How did his poor performance belie his genius?

5. After Darwin dropped out from medical school, he began to study for the ministry. Why did he study for the ministry, despite the fact that he did not have the "calling?"

6. Darwin's voyage on the Beagle changed his life and world history. But he was apprehensive of the voyage. Why? Why did he fear sailing on the Beagle?

7. Why was it so important for Darwin to earn his father's respect and his teacher's respect?

8. Charles Darwin became ill at a relatively young age. How did his illness change his life?

9. Darwin was hesitant to publish his findings because he knew they would create a controversy. What finally prompted him to publish?

10. Discuss the response to On the Origins of the Species.

11. What is the core premise of Darwin's theory of evolution?

1. Research the Scopes Monkey Trial. What was this trial about? How did it reflect the controversy of Darwin's work?

2. Moderate a class discussion of whether creationism or evolution should be taught in public schools.

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Air Dates

• January 12, 2005