too much Darwinia? - (Oct/11/2009 )

Recent article in Discover "Deconstructing Darwin" by Bruno Maddox makes an interesting point. As he says, venerating Darwin the man, we detract from the sheer obviousness of Darwin the idea. D oyu nthink the various Charles Darwin events and celebrations effectoively deifying the man and fuel the view of evolution if not science itself as religion with demigod Darwin.

George you are making a good point here. I have been discussing this recently with some friends at the pub
I think this "religion" thing is mainly because crationism - the main opposing viewpoint contrasting evolution theory - is bringing the discussion of the evolution theory from a scientific theory to a religous discussion (I tried to formulate this without any judgement as this should not become a creationsim vs. evolution discussion, if this was not successful plase forgive me my language shortcomings).
Viewpoints of "religion" seem to be easier to communicate than a scientific theory - maybe because they they leave less questions open (maybe scientists should learn to formulate their theories better) - Darwins theory is getting the status of a religion as well.....

I think most of these events (except for the silly "debates") are educational but I could see folks seeing "Darwinia" as hero worship.

I don't think it is seen as religion, though it perhaps has reached the state where it is "cool" to be non-religious and an evolutionist. I think that the celebrations are no more than celebrating say 4th July for USA or similar event.

the bigger problem is that, that most people who joined those events dont actually fully understand what evolution as conceptualized by Darwin is.

quote name='arvinsign' date='Oct 13 2009, 12:32 AM' post='39708'>
the bigger problem is that, that most people who joined those events dont actually fully understand what evolution as conceptualized by Darwin is.