Arvet från Darwin

by Birgitta Forsman

The theory of evolution has changed our view of the world. Ever since Darwin’s great discovery people have feared that his insights into the origin of man will make the concept of God redundant. Many questions have been raised: Will morals falter when the fear of God disappears? Is free will possible if man is biologically no more than an animal? Some people have also argued that Darwinism leads to racism, male chauvinism and the idea of man as an abulic machine.

In Arvet från Darwin (In the Wake of Darwin: Religion, Humanity, Morality) Birgitta Forsman investigates both Darwin’s own perspective and his opinions as well as the arguments brought forth by Darwinists and Antidarwinists. She effectively shows that Darwin was neither racist nor sexist. Instead he was a manahead ofhis time, not only in terms of science but also values. Arvet från Darwin makes the case that there is no reason to base our morals on religion. Religious morals are no better than secular ones. In fact, there is much evidence to the contrary. Modern evolutionary biologists are often criticized for being narrow-minded in their approach to human nature but Forsman argues that a society that denies human biology is unsustainable. In Arvet från Darwin she wishes to highlight the impact evolutionary theory has had on human existence, beyond the prejudice and fears that have long dominated its debate.

Birgitta Forsman holds a Ph.D. in Theory of science and research. She is also an Associate Professor in research ethics. As a scholar and university teacher she has written several books on research ethics and has held many different positions related to ethics and science. Arvet från Darwin (In the Wake of Darwin: Religion, Humanity, Morality) is her first book as a free writer.

Februari 2009