Imagining the Darwinian Revolution from the Nineteenth Century to the Present

Imagining the Darwinian Revolution explores the relationship between the development of evolution and its historical representations, highlighting the collective role of previously neglected figures in the formative debates of evolutionary theory. It recognizes that while Charles Darwin was not the driving force behind the popularization of evolution in the nineteenth century, his name and image came to signify evolution itself.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2022
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

Imagining the Darwinian Revolution delves into the intricate interplay between the evolution of ideas and their historical representations, particularly emphasizing the so-called Darwinian Revolution. This historical concept emerged to elucidate the transformative shift in scientific and cultural paradigms brought about by Charles Darwin's groundbreaking contributions to natural science. However, it is important to note that since the 1980s, science historians have shifted their focus away from traditional narratives that glorify individual figures, instead emphasizing the collective contributions of previously overlooked individuals to the formative debates of evolutionary theory.

In this volume, Darwin is reintroduced to the forefront, recognizing that while he was not the sole influential evolutionist, his name and image came to symbolize evolution itself, both in the popular imagination and in the work and writings of other evolutionists. Contributors engage in a comprehensive exploration of how the history of evolution has been interpreted, deployed, and exploited to shape our evolving understanding of evolution from the nineteenth century to the present.

The book explores various aspects of this historical narrative, including the influence of Darwin's ideas on popular culture, the scientific reception of his work, and the broader societal implications of his theories. It sheds light on the ways in which evolutionary concepts have been adapted, manipulated, and exploited to serve different purposes, ranging from scientific advancement to political and social agendas.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, the book brings together scholars from various fields, including history, biology, philosophy, and cultural studies, to examine the complex and multifaceted relationship between evolution and its historical representations. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the historical processes that have shaped our understanding of evolution, highlighting both the contributions of prominent figures and the overlooked voices that have contributed to our evolving knowledge of this fundamental scientific concept.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 152 x 214 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822947080