Sean Carroll podcast from Darwin150 lecture
As a gift for the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s publication of Origin, we now have the podcast from the wonderful talk Sean Carroll gave this fall as part of the Darwin150 campaign.
Download the mp3 audio file here.
– right click to download the file to your computer (and be patient – it’s a *big* file)
– or click on it to hear it now from this web page (but again be patient)
Download SeanCarrollDarwin150-Nov112009-MakingFittest
Thanks to Sean Carroll and his team including Megan McGlone!
Best,
Phil
p.s. there is a musical introduction before the lecture starts!
Happy Origin Anniversary!
Hello Origin readers,
Happy Origin Day! I don’t know about you, but I’m really enjoying all the celebration about Darwin, Wallace and Origin of Species. Here are a few newspaper articles I’ve been enjoying this morning:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/<wbr/>11/24/science/24creature.html?<wbr/>_r=1&8dpc(Twoof my favorite subjects: snails & Darwin. This is also a greatexample of predator-prey interaction and how it can affect evolution -you should remember Darwin’s discussion of this in chapters 3 & 4. If you’re interested, the video is worth watching as well. Apart fromjust being cool, it’s also interesting to watch it and think about howthings might go differently if the snail was ‘left-handed’. Thearticle is also written by Sean Carroll, the speaker of the thirdDarwin150 webcast!) http://www.nytimes.com/2009/<wbr/>11/24/science/24cabi.html?ref=<wbr/>science
(An interesting story about how scientific collections can change hands and some background info on Wallace . . . . . ) http://www.nytimes.com/<wbr/>interactive/2009/02/09/<wbr/>science/20090209-darwin-<wbr/>evolution-documents.html?ref=<wbr/>science
(This is a fun section with different scientists reading their favorite sections of Origin – see if they’re reading any of your favorites!)
Darwin150also has two great events today: E.O. Wilson speaking via tapedcomments at 1pm and a free webcast from the New York Academy ofSciences. Visit here for more details and to sign up for either ofthem: http://www.darwin150.com/home/<wbr/>2009/11/23/darwin150-events-<wbr/>for-the-150th-anniversary.html
Finally, our final conference call is two weeks from tonightat 8pm EST. Please let me know if you’re having any problems with thereading or have any other questions – I’m really looking forward tospeaking to you all on the 8th.
I know you probably all have the discussion questions, but just incase, I’ve copied them again at the bottom of this post. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your reading!Stephanie
Chapter 6: Difficulties in Theory
1. Darwin usesthis chapter to present the main difficulties that he anticipates with histheory. Two of them are discussedin detail in this chapter, and two more are addressed in subsequentchapters. What are these fourdifficulties?
2. Darwinargues that we can see “transitional forms” in both living species and fossils. What does he mean by “transitionalforms” and what was one example he gave of a living transitional form? Why does Darwin suggest we see so fewtransitional fossils? Can youthink of any modern discoveries of transitional fossils? (Hint: we briefly discussed one example during our last phonechat. Another recently discoveredtransition fossil has feathers.)
3. Darwinspends much time in this chapter discussing the eye, a structure that is alsohighly scrutinized by many creationists. Why does Darwin worry about the evolution of a complex structure likethe eye? Do you think it’s easierto theorize (and accept) how these complex organs developed evolutionarily nowthat scientists have a better understanding of molecular and developmentalbiology?
4. In this chapter Darwin also discusses structures that maybe considered opposite of the eye – “organs of little apparent importance.” How does he explain their continuedpresence in organisms? Can youthink of examples of such organs in humans or other animals? Do these structures truly have “littleimportance,” or do we just not yet understand their value?
5. Darwinspends more time in this chapter discussing three more things that naturalselection cannot do (pg200-203). What are these points,and what do you think of his suggestions and explanations for them?
Chapter 14: Recapitulation and Conclusion
This chapter represents Darwin’s “closing argument” – hisfinal chance to convince his reader of his theory of natural selection. Appropriately, he spends most of thechapter presenting a summary of his beliefs. Having read much (or maybe all!) of his great book, please considerthe following questions:
1. What line of evidence recapitulated in this chapter wasthe strongest support for descent with modification in your opinion? Explain.
2. What line ofevidence recapitulated in this chapter was the strongest support for descentwith modification in Darwin’sopinion? Explain.
3. What line of evidence recapitulated in this chapter wasthe strongest support for descent with modification in the average Victorian Englishman’s opinion? Explain.
Homer Odyssey Books 17-24 Study Guide Questions
Homer Odyssey
Study Guide Questions – Discussion #3
Books 17-24: Revenge
17-20 Odysseus and Telemachus return to the palace in imminent danger
1. Book 17 – Omens
As Odysseus first sets eyes on his own palace after 20 years, what are the ways that he is tested by Athena? How much restraint is Odysseus forced to show? Why? How do the two omens in Book 17 work with respect to each other (i.e. Theoclymenus’ prophecy and Telemachus’ sneeze)?
2. Book 18 – King of the Beggars
What does the fight between Irus and Odysseus symbolize/foretell? Book 18 can be said to be important for Amphinomus, one of the suitors. What part does he play in the rivalry between Odysseus and the rest of the suitors? Why is his part necessary to the story? Penelope’s timed appearance is significant here. How does it heighten the mounting tension of the story? How does Eurymachus’ quarrel with Odysseus at the end of Book 18 balance that of Odysseus’ fight with Irus at the beginning?
3. Book 19 – Tease
The reunion of Odysseus and Penelope is somewhat of a tease. How is Odysseus able to hold back his feelings? Is he testing Penelope? If so, why should he? Why is Penelope so steadfast against believing that Odysseus will come back?
4. Book 20 – Gods and Prophecies
For all of Odysseus’ cleverness and fortitude, he still requires encouragement to stick with his disguise until it is time for him to reveal himself. At what two points do the gods respond to him? How manifest are these divine responses to the situation at hand? What is Odysseus’ main concern in Book 20? What is Penelope’s? How do these two differ, yet overlap?
Books 21-24: The contest of the bow and ultimate revenge on the suitors
5. Book 21 – Contest of the Bow
With Athena prompting Penelope to announce the contest of the bow, the revenge on the suitors is set into motion. How much of this plan is Odysseus in control of? What is Penelope’s role in this overall plan? What is Telemachus’ role in the plan? Could the plan come together without Eumaeus’ or Philoetus’ help? According to the text of Book 21, in what parts does Athena actively instigate events?
6. Book 22 – Anger Unleashed
Although Odysseus’ anger is justified, shouldn’t he have taken Eurymachus’ offer for compensation after Antinous was killed? Wouldn’t that have made sense in light of the family feuds and revenge killings that are sure to follow? Why does Athena let Odysseus struggle in combat with the suitors for as long as she does? Why does she show the “aegis” when she does, thereby making the suitors flee (p. 345), but not sooner? In the midst of the killing, Leodes the soothsayer begs for mercy. Leodes was the first to try the bow on p. 326 and foresaw this calamity, but Odysseus still kills him anyway. Why? Phemius the bard also begs for mercy, but he and Medon the herald are spared. Why? Are the punishments of the serving women and Melanthius just or too harsh?
7. Book 23 – Aftermath of Slaughter
Ironically, Penelope wakes up from a “sweet sleep” (line 17, p. 353). Why is she now, all of a sudden, blessed with a “sweet sleep”? Why does Penelope continue to hold back from believing that Odysseus has returned? If Odysseus himself hadn’t killed the suitors, as she says, then who does she believe has killed them? Why would this be frightening to her rather than happy? How is Penelope finally convinced that this stranger is her husband? Penelope finally recognizes Odysseus as her long-lost husband and Homer uses a simile to describe the moment (p. 360). What does the simile show about the relationship between Penelope and Odysseus?
8. Book 24 – Shades and Judgment
Book 24 opens by recalling some of the shades in Hades we met in Book 11. Some commentators say that Agamemnon’s and Achilles’ conversation is out of place here. Is it or is it not? Why does Odysseus continue to put on a false front with his father, even after the suitors have been killed? Eupeithes, Antinous’ father rouses up the Ithacans against Odysseus. What sort of threat is posed to Odysseus and his family? Zeus makes an irrevocable judgment of the situation on Ithaca. How does Athena respond to what Zeus says? Why must Zeus throw a thunderbolt? What does the situation on Ithaca show about the Greeks in general? about the Greeks at Troy?
Sean Carroll’s Darwin150 webcast is *tonight* at 8pm ET
Professor Sean Carroll’s third lecture in the Darwin150 campaign still has a few webcast spots left. This will be one of this great scientist’s best talks – a multi-media extravaganza supporting his great insights and writings.
It all begins at 8pm New York time (that’s 7pm at the University of Wisconsin).
To sign-up for a free webcast pass, click here:
http://DarwinLecture3.Eventbrite.com
With the help of Darwin150 volunteers around the world, we have assembled a global audience from India to Mexico, from Europe to Canada and South America.
Phil
Darwin 2009: Origin Chapters 3 & 4 3 November 2009 Audio recording
We had a great call tonight discussing Chapters 3 & 4 of Origin of Species! Here’s the audio recording for the 3 November conference call -if you were unable to make the conversation (or just want to enjoy it again!) please download the mp3 here:
Thanks!
Stephanie Aktipis
Homer-1 November 2009 Books 9-16 audio recording
Here is the audio recording for the Homer-1 books 9-16 call on November 2, 2009. Listen online or download the mp3 file on your pod and listen to it as a podcast.
Homer and Darwin reading groups this week
Tonight we have two sections of Homer meeting by phone to discuss this month’s reading of The Odyssey – Books 9 – 16.
Tomorrow night, Tuesday, the Darwin reading group is meeting to talk about chapters 3 and 4 in the Origin of Species.
And the Aristotle reading group is finishing its year of reading with Rhetoric and Poetics.
Good week for the reading groups.
On another note, we have open registration for two reading groups starting January 2010:
– The Landmark Xenophon’s Hellenika
Free sign-up here (for first-time readers):
http://Xenophon2010.eventbrite.com
– Homer’s Odyssey
Free sign-up here (for first-time readers):
http://Homer2010-1.eventbrite.com
Phil
Help!
Creationists continue to mount attacks on our Darwin150 campaign and we need your help.
How can you help?
1. Join our Facebook page (250,000+ members)
Join our Darwin150 group on Facebook and get as many friends, colleagues, faculty, students, church members to join with you. Show we can continue to grow even in the face of their concerted illegal attacks.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53320310123
2. Organize a group to watch a live webcast
Organize a group viewing of an upcoming live webcast either with scientist Sean Carroll, E.O. Wilson or the New York Academy of Sciences. Let’s bring the words of these top scientists out to groups all over the world. This is a free and wonderful resource.
Register free here:
Wednesday, Nov 3 @8pm ET with Sean Carroll (great writer, scientist and speaker)
http://darwinlecture3.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, Nov 24 @1pm ET with E.O. Wilson (great time for high school and college classrooms to watch together this legendary biologist)
http://darwinlecture4.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, Nov 24 at 6pm ET with New York Academy of Sciences
webcast link coming soon
3. Consider volunteering
We need volunteers to help us build the campaign and continuously manage/clean-up from the creationist attacks. E-mail Phil at pterry at reading odyssey dot com, if you’d like to volunteer.
Why do they attack us?
We know how to reach mainstream Americans through the web and that it is a real threat to the creationist camp. We have more than 250,000 Facebook members making us the largest Darwin/evolution group by far. The size of our group shows the breadth and depth of support for evolution and it means all of our online activities are a target for continuous 24/7 attack by creationists.
Plus we have free webcasts with some of the top scientists talking about Darwin and evolution. Fun but serious and compelling talks by the likes of Sean Carroll, E.O. Wilson, Jonathan Weiner and others threaten the creationist community.
Look forward to your help!
Phil
P.S. Why are we going public now with the attacks? We have been under daily 24/7 attack since we began in January 2009 with a Darwin birthday celebration. But the small group of extreme creationists that attack us have stepped up their efforts as we get closer to the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin’s “Origin of Species.”
P.P.S. Why don’t we detail the attacks? We don’t want to help more creationists attack us by giving ideas out. Our all-volunteer campaign just keeps working and striving to stay positive and focused on what’s important (and btw – we do *not* condone nor want illegal counter-attacks on creationist websites).
Seeing the Troubled Queen
Jeff Doyle at the Open Museum attended the Boston Slow Art last weekend and just published a piece about his experience – including a video of his experience looking at Jackson Pollock’s “The Troubled Queen.”
Ezra Pound, Jackson Pollock and Madonna all play a part in his post. See his text, video and photos here in Learning to Look with Slow Art.
If you are interested in attending or hosting Slow Art in your city, then go here to http://SlowArtDay.com.
Thankful for Darwin
On this 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s publication of “Origin of Species”, I’m thankful for his multi-decade effort to understand one of the greatest questions of human history: where do we come from?
When I asked Stanford biologist Robert Sapolsky which 10 books the general public should read to gain a basic understanding of biology, nine of the books were published in the last 10 years. Only one book he recommended was older than 10 years. You know the book – it’s 150 years old today.
In the fast-changing world of science and evolutionary biology, it’s amazing that a 150-year old book is still relevant.
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of this great book, reflect onthe example Darwin has set.
Other authors we have read in the Reading Odyssey have set similar examples from different domains. My favorite line in any book comes from Thucydides’ introduction when he says he’s not writing for “applause of the moment but as a possession for all time.”
2500 years later Thucydides’ history still stands as a great possession. When we read Thucydides in the Reading Odyssey we are completing hismission – we are shaking his hand through history. We are telling him that he succeeded. His book has indeed become a possession for all time.
Darwin was also not writing for the short-term. He developed his initial thinking about evolution by natural selection decades before he published. Darwin’s method created Darwin’s greatness. His long-term, patient approach to amassing the evidence and testing his hypotheses stands as a model for all humanity for all time.
Ironically, by virtue of evolution, humans are endowed with a tendency to think and act in the short-term. But, this tendency is not our destiny. Darwin and Thucydides and others show that we can live our lives as if what we do today will matter for decades and centuries beyond us – and for that lesson I give much thanks.
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Celebrate *today* 150th anniversary of Darwin’s “Origin”
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We are co-sponsoring two great events today, Tuesday, November 24.
– E.O. Wilson and the British Council at 1pm New York time
No registration needed but you do need the latest version of Adobe Flash. Go here at 1pm *or later* on Tuesday, Nov 24:
http://www.open2.net/darwinlecture
– New York Academy of Sciences at 6pm New York time
Live webcast with Nobel Prize winners and other leading scientists. Register *free* here: http://www.nyas.org/darwin150
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Our Facebook group on Darwin
– 260,000+ members
Please keep spreading the word and go over and write your thanks to Darwin on the wall.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53320310123
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25. November 2009 by Arrian
Categories: Commentary, Darwin | Tags: Darwin, Newsletter | Comments Off on Thankful for Darwin