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?
