Charles Darwin is turning 202 on Saturday and to commemorate his contributions to science, student group Secular Humanism, Inquiry and Freethought will host professors from different fields to discuss how evolution affects their work.
Professors speaking at the celebration include Henry Harpending, anthropology professor; Matt Haber and Mark Loewen, professors of paleontology; Anya Plutynski, philosophy professor; and 2007 Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine, Mario Capecchi.
A 2009 Gallup poll found that only 39 percent of Americans believe evolution occurs, compared to the scientific establishment, which accepts evolution as a natural occurrence.
"I think that's remarkably low number, being that science is so crucial to our society," said Zach Stevenson, president of SHIFT. "We need to improve the scientific literacy of the public."
Individuals who don't believe in evolution need to look at the evidence, he said. "Maybe they don't understand what it is," Stevenson said. "But there are many prominent believers who believe in evolution and have faith and reconcile both."
SHIFT includes members with varying spiritual beliefs.
"Evolution is just a process by which the diversity of life has emerged," he said. "It doesn't rule out the possibility of a supreme being in the universe. It says how if there was a supreme being they created through this process."
"SHIFT is open to anyone who wants to come to talk about their beliefs, or lack thereof," Stevenson said.
Darwin was born in 1809, and died in 1882. Events for Darwin's birthday conclude Friday.
Author:
Doug Jennings | Source: The Daily Utah Chronicle [February 08, 2011]