Genius of Charles Darwin, The

Synopsis

Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins explores the work of Charles Darwin in this 3-part series for Channel 4. Darwin’s theory of evolution has always been at the crux of Dawkins’ criticism of creationism and religious reasoning. In this series he brings these ideas to life in an effort to discuss Darwin’s influence on modern atheism. He shows how evidence supporting the theory of evolution has been accumulated by scientists ever since Darwin’s stunning discovery. In addition to explaining Darwin’s ideas, Dawkins also shows how the intellectual journey undertaken by Darwin led inevitably to an atheistic world view. For, once nature could be explained by the theory of evolution, it simply wasn’t necessary to continue with the idea that God was responsible for all Creation.

NB. Approx 19 hours of uncut interviews conducted for the series with biologists, philosophers, clergymen, business analysts, teachers, and evolutionary psychologists are available separately in a 3-DVD set from http://store.richarddawkins.net/collections/dvds. Cost $29.95 + p&p

Disc 1: Daniel Dennett, Steven Pinker, Craig Venter, Randy Nesse, Peter Singer, Sean Casey, Wendy Wright
Disc 2: Randall Keynes, Father George Coyne, Rowan Williams, Jonathan Kingdon, Richard Leakey, Larry Gelmon, Steven Rose, Eric Beinhocker, John Mackay, Bonifes Adoyo
Disc 3: Science Class Science Teachers at Park High School, Richard Hulbert Jr, Frans De Waal, Claus Rodgaard, Sperm Bank Women, Wane Besen, Iris French, Nick Cowan

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2008

Year of production

2008

Notes

Broadcast in 3 parts on Channel 4 beginning 4/8/2008

Subjects

Biology; Philosophy; Religious studies

Keywords

creationism; Darwin, Charles; evolution; history of science; religious belief and practice

Online availability

URI

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-genius-of-charles-darwin/4od

Price

free

Delivery

Streamed

Credits

Contributor

Richard Dawkins

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£19.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

150 minutes

Year

2010

Sponsor

Name

Channel 4

Distributor

Name

4DVD

Web

http://www.channel4.com External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7396 4444

Address

124 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 2TX

Name

4OD

Web

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/4od External site opens in new window

 

Available from retail outlets