Tonight at 7:30: Ron Bailey Debates Darwinism and Conservatism
The Robert A. Taft Club, a group of youngish paleocons and libertarians who recently held a blowout event with Ron Paul, are bringing Ron Bailey to the D.C. burbs for a fascinating debate.
Many conservatives have long been critical of Darwin's theory of evolution. Some base their reservation on religious grounds, while others criticize what has been called scientism—a belief that faith in Darwinism or science in general has become an ideology or secular religion.
At the same time, recent studies in evolutionary and genetic theory have many conservative implications. Scientists in the fields of sociobiology and evolutionary psychology have suggested that human nature is fixed, rather than a blank slate. Others argue that work in behavioral genetics shatters egalitarian notions. National Review editor John O'Sullivan has dubbed conservatives who apply these theories "evol-cons."
Is the study of evolution and genetics necessary to understanding human nature and the limits of politics, or does it lead to what C.S. Lewis called "the abolition of man"?
To discuss these controversial issues will be:
Charles Murray: Dr. Murray is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He is the author of several books including Losing Ground, Human Accomplishment, What it Means to be a Libertarian, and the best-seller The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life.
Ron Bailey: Mr. Bailey is the science correspondent for Reason Magazine. He is the author of the new book Liberation Biology: The Moral and Scientific Case for the Biotech Revolution and ECOSCAM: The False Prophets of Ecological Apocalypse.
John Derbyshire: Mr. Derbyshire is a contributing editor at National Review. He writes frequently on the subject of evolution and genetics. He is the author of the books Seeing Calvin Coolidge in a Dream, Prime Obsession, and Unknown Quantity.
Tom Bethell: Mr. Bethell is a senior editor at The American Spectator. He is the author of the book The Politically Incorrect Guide to Science, and The Noblest Triumph: Property and Prosperity Through the Ages.
It kicks off at 7:30 at the The Boulevard Woodgrill at 2901 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, VA.
UPDATE: There's no live video, but previous events have been taped and put online.