UA Philosophy Today Lecture Series Discusses ‘Charles Darwin, Hammer of the Creationists’

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — “Charles Darwin, Hammer of the Creationists” will be the topic of a talk by Dr. Keith M. Parsons, a professor of philosophy at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, on March 4 at The University of Alabama at 7:30 p.m. in room 205 of Smith Hall.

The presentation is the third in UA’s 2009-2010 Philosophy Today lecture series, featuring four experts discussing timely and provocative philosophical topics.

Parsons said his lecture will focus on how Charles Darwin’s own treatment of creationism has often been overlooked.

“Darwin took the hypothesis of special creation seriously, regarding it as a respectable hypothesis worthy of serious evaluation,” Parsons said. “In his response to creationism, Darwin shows his mastery not only of the scientific data, but of philosophical and theological issues. He produced a sophisticated critique of design arguments, one that remains relevant to current discussions.”

Parsons has a doctorate degree in the history of philosophy of science from the University of Pittsburg and also a doctorate degree in philosophy from Queen’s University in Canada. He received a master of theological studies degree from Emory University.

Parsons has published broadly in the fields of the history of science, the philosophy of science and the philosophy of religion. He has authored several books, including “God and the Burden of Proof,” “Drawing Out Leviathan: Dinosaurs and the Science Wars” and “The Great Dinosaur Controversy.” Parsons also is the founding editor of the philosophical journal Philo.

The Philosophy Today lectures are geared toward a general audience and should be of interest to those in any profession or academic discipline. The presentations are free and open to the public.

The series is sponsored by UA’s College of Arts and Sciences; the department of philosophy; a grant from Louis W. Perry of La Jolla, Calif.; and other alumni and friends of the department.

UA’s department of philosophy is part of UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.