The second paper is due Friday March 27 at 4 PM. Please choose one of the topics provided below.

 Topics for Second Paper

Papers should be in the range of five to eight pages, double-spaced, twelve-point font.  They should demonstrate a command of the relevant course materials

 Strengths and Weaknesses in On The Origin of Species

 Darwin describes his book as “one long argument” (p. 459).  Identify the core of the case he wants to make, and identify what you think to be the strongest and weakest parts of his argument.  Be sure to show what Darwin is trying to do, and consider the evidence he provides and the kinds of arguments he makes.  Explain why you think the strong parts are effective and the weak parts less so.

Particularly relevant materials: Darwin’s book

 What does Common Sense have to do with it?

Discuss the role of Common Sense Philosophy in the emergence of opposition to Darwinian evolutionary theory in the United States.

                 Particularly relevant materials: Marsden’s book, Scopes Trial book

 World War One and Opposition to Darwinian Theory

 According to George Marsden, World War I played a critical role in the emergence of a new form of fundamentalism.  Evaluate his view.  What evidence does he provide?  Is it persuasive? 

                 Particularly relevant materials: Marsden’s book, Scopes Trial book

 Interpreting Fundamentalism

 Compare the four interpretations discussed in Marsden’s book.  Which is most persuasive, and why?  Which is least persuasive, and why?  What is your own view?

             Particularly relevant materials: Marsden’s book

Darwin, Social Science and Social Policy

 In the final chapter of On The Origin of Species, Darwin wrote that once the ideas advanced in the book win general acceptance, “we can dimly foresee that there will be a considerable revolution in natural history” (484).  Subsequently he writes “”in the distant future I see open fields for far more important researches. Psychology will be placed on a new foundation. . . . Light will be thrown on the origin of man and his history” (488). Discuss some of the ways in which Darwinian thinking influences current social science research and might be relevant to social policy..

             Particularly relevant materials:        

"Unfinished Business." Economist, February 5, 2009.

 "Darwinism: Why we are as we are."  Economist, December 18, 2008.

                     "Decisions, decisions: What people can learn from how animals make collective decisions." Economist, February 13, 2009.

                     Griskevicius, Vladas; Sundie, Jill M.; Miller, Geoffrey F.; Tybur, Joshua M.; Cialdini, Robert B.; Kenrick, Douglas T.. "Blatant          Benevolence and Conspicuous Consumption: When Romantic Motives Elicit Strategic Costly Signals." Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, Jul2007, Vol. 93 Issue 1, p85-102.