On the Origin of Species : An Exploration of Scientific Evolution in Nineteenth-Century Boston

Abstract

The disciplines surrounding the fields of science and religion have long been in contention regarding the theories of evolution, of natural selection, and God's role within these processes. The discourse on these topics has been extensive, reaching millions of people across the country for over a hundred years. These evolutionary debates, however, largely originated from ideas discussed after Charles Darwin's publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859. Now, Darwin's ideas are generally accepted, and Darwin has been placed amongst the most influential scientists to have ever lived. There has been little discussion, however, of the reactions by Americans during the nineteenth century when Darwin's book was published. American society has transformed greatly, especially in regards to the role of religion and science within our cultural, intellectual, and religious spheres. The utilization of science and religion to explain the evolutionary process and other broader philosophical questions reflect an individual's ethics, values, and priorities. Each individual then contributes and helps shape a society's overarching priorities and values by bringing their own viewpoints to public opinion. By looking at the ways Americans of the past received Darwin's work and integrated it into their belief systems, we can learn a lot about how society has developed through these decisions.