Dr. Monica Hughes on Myths about Evolutionary Theory: Philosophy in Action Podcast

On Wednesday's Philosophy in Action Radio, I interviewed biologist Dr. Monica Hughes about "Myths about Evolutionary Theory." The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading. You'll find it on the episode's archive page, as well as below.

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Podcast: Dr. Monica Hughes about "Myths about Evolutionary Theory"

Many Americans are woefully ignorant of the basics of evolutionary theory, even while they criticize or reject it. Biologist Monica Hughes explained the basics of evolutionary theory, including some fascinating examples of evolution in action. Then she discussed and dispelled some common myths about it.

Monica Hughes received her master's and PhD degrees in mycology and forest pathology at SUNY-ESF (State University of New York College of Environmental and Forest Biology). Broadly trained in aspects of plant and fungal biology, Monica's research is focused on an obscure but diverse group of insect-associated fungi, particularly co-evolution of the fungi with their hosts, and description of new species: her research uncovered roughly 50 new species of fungi from New Zealand, including several new genera. Since obtaining her PhD in 2008, Monica has worked as a biology professor in the Community College system of Colorado and at Regis University in Denver.

Listen or Download:

• Duration: 1:04:27
• Download: Standard MP3 File (22.2 MB)

Topics:

• Wildfires in Colorado
• The basic tenets of evolutionary theory
• Examples of evolution in action: bacteria, dogs, silver fox
• The creation of new species: plants, fruit flies
• The evidence for evolutionary theory
• Evolution is not just randomness
• The second law of thermodynamics does not preclude evolution
• The argument from irreducible complexity
• The first living organism
• The irreducible complexity argument
• The time required for evolution
• The "goal" of evolution
• Evolution as "just a theory"

Links:

• Wikipedia: Objections to Evolution
• Corn vs. teosinte
• The 50-year silver fox experiment
• Observed Instances of Speciation
• Carl Zimmer: A Planet of Viruses
• The Flagellum Unspun: The Collapse of "Irreducible Complexity" by Kenneth R. Miller
• The Mystery of Vitamin C
• Finding Darwin's God by Kenneth Miller
• NoodleFood: Last Gasp for the God of the Gaps by Greg Perkins
• The Evolution of Life in 60 Seconds
• Explore the Tree of Life
• Evolutionary Tree Of Life

Tags:

• Biology, Creationism, Evolution, God, Religion, Religion, Science

About Philosophy in Action Radio

Philosophy in Action Radio applies rational principles to the challenges of real life in live internet radio shows on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap. For podcasts of past shows, visit the Show Archives.