for general circulation - details: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/cain/synthesis/
Announcing a workshop and public
lecture
Descended from Darwin:
insights into American evolutionary studies, 1925-1950
22–23 October 2004
At an upcoming conference and workshop sponsored by the Library of the
American Philosophical Society (Philadelphia, USA), historians and
philosophers of science will discuss evolutionary studies in America
between 1925–1950.
Attention will focus on the famous "synthesis" period
in evolutionary studies, when fundamental changes occurred in the
discipline. These changes affect theories in biology even today.
This meeting will include an evening lecture, open to the
public, by noted historian and philosopher, Professor Michael Ruse
(Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy at Florida State
University). A charismatic and inspiring speaker, Ruse has
long-standing interests in the subject and has written extensively on
the history of evolutionary studies, Darwin, and the Darwinian
Revolution.
The workshop will focus on substantial new research on the history of the evolutionary synthesis and will emphasize several key questions. How does recent scholarship change our understanding of the period? How does it alter our sense of connection across the generations? How do activities in evolutionary studies relate to developments elsewhere in biology? The sessions are organized on six themes:
· continuity and
breaks across generations
· emerging narratives for the
period
· new research opportunities at
the APS
· new ideas from the research
front
· placing evolutionists in the
broader context of biology
· concluding discussion: what
needs doing?
Attendance at the workshop requires registration. Graduate
students are especially welcome. Registration and program information
are available on-line: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/cain/synthesis/
This conference is organized by Dr Joe Cain (University
College London). j.cain@ucl.ac.uk. It is made possible
through the generous support of Professor Frederick H. Burkhardt, the
Library of the American Philosophical Society, and Florida State
University.
________________
Dr Joe Cain
Department of Science and Technology
Studies
University College London, Gower Street, London
WC1E 6BT UK
office: 0207 679 3041 in UK [+44 207 679 3041
overseas]
fax: 0207 916 2425 in UK [+44 207 916 2425
overseas]
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/cain/
also President, Society for the History of
Natural History, http://www.shnh.org
and Associate Editor, Archives of natural
history