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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.
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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