2 chapters across the catalog
Author Adam Gopnik discusses the tension between Darwin's historical vocabulary and modern scientific interpretations. The segment explores how both the creationist right and the woke left attack Darwinism for different reasons, leading evolutionary biologists to attempt to separate the man from the theory. The hosts argue that modern science is so deeply rooted in Darwin's work that "canceling" him would threaten the entire foundation of the field.
Adam Gopnik argues that while Darwin toyed with the idea of separate human subspecies in The Descent of Man, he ultimately rejected it in favor of a single human race united by the evolved trait of sympathy. The hosts challenge this interpretation, citing Darwin's own words regarding the extermination of "savage races." They further critique the modern political left, suggesting that "sympathy" is often used as a mask for low expectations and inherent bias.
