The Origin of Species

Charles Darwin

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Study Questions & Essay Topics

Study Questions

1. How would Darwin contrast the forces at work in domestic breeding with those at work in natural selection?


2. Is Darwin’s presentation of evolution anti-religion?


3. How does Darwin make use of the scientific method to explain the natural world?


Suggested Essay Topics

1. How does Darwin address the uncertainties surrounding his theory of descent with modification? What do his methods reveal about the nature of scientific inquiry?

2. How would Darwin define progress in terms of adaptation and evolution?

3. Where does Darwin position human beings in his scheme of evolution? What implication does his theory hold for society?

4. Recent school boards have restricted the teaching of evolution in biology classrooms, arguing that it is an unproven scientific theory that does not leave room for other equally plausible theories, such as intelligent design. How would Darwin respond to this claim?

5. Does Darwin’s theory of natural selection suggest an optimistic or a pessimistic view of the world?

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