Download Sample Outline on Charles Darwin Introduction A. Darwin was a

Sample Outline on Charles Darwin
Introduction
A. Darwin was a controversial figure in his own time and continues to spark controversy today.
B. He is loved by some and hated by others.
C. In recent years, this controversy has widened to include questions about his role in the
development of evolutionary theory.
1. Did he truly invent the theory?
2. Or, was he merely a famous advocate of it?
3. How significant were his scientific discoveries?
D. Thesis: Charles Darwin did not invent the theory of evolution. However, backed by careful
observation, his Origin of Species presented such a coherent expression of the theory
that the burden of proof shifted from the supporters of evolution to those who denied it.
Major Point 1: Evolutionary Theory was not new; it was, before Darwin, part of the history of biology.
A. There were earlier theorists of evolution.
1. Aristotle
2. Erasmus
B. Darwin drew on the ideas of these earlier theorists.
1. Darwin himself acknowledged this intellectual debt (quote)
2. Huxley argues that Darwin relied upon their ideas (quote)
Major Point 2: Even though Darwin did not invent evolutionary theory, the thorough scientific observations
presented in Origin of Species were instrumental in proving it.
A. Darwin’s Origins of Species was based on extensive research and observation about adaptation
and selection.
1. Darwin’s discussion of the relationship between finches’ fins and beaks
2. Darwin’s discussion of how selective breeding produced “better” domestic animals
B. This extraordinary research made the concepts of adaptation and selection plausible to the
public.
1. Before the publication of Origins, there was widespread scepticism of the theory of
evolution.
2. After the publication of Origins, there was a marked change in public attitudes toward
evolution.
i. evidence of wider acceptance of Darwin’s ideas in the academy
ii. evidence of increased positive coverage of evolution in the general media
Major Point 3: If those who wrote after The Origin of Species wanted to deny evolution, they had to
develop solid explanations for evidence they all acknowledged.
A. Religious Opponents
B. Scientific Opponents
Conclusion
A. Those who worry over the extent to which Darwin invented evolution in many ways
misunderstand his real importance.
B. Darwin may not have invented evolution, but his research was instrumental in creating its wider
acceptance.
His work gave it legitimacy, put opponents on the defensive, and forever changed the terms of the public
debate.