for general circulation - details: 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: <www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/cain/synthesis/>
This conference is organized by Dr Joe Cain (University College London).
<[log in to unmask]>. 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]
www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/cain/
also President, Society for the History of Natural History, www.shnh.org
and Associate Editor, Archives of natural history
