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Darwin across the Disciplines A discussion in celebration of Darwin Day

Darwin across the Disciplines A discussion in celebration of Darwin Day Facilitated by Glenn Geher (Chair of the Evolutionary Studies Development Committee) with Eugene Heath (Philosophy), Yaser Khalifa (Computer Engineering), Tom Nolen (Biology), and Jennifer Waldo (Biology).

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Darwin across the Disciplines A discussion in celebration of Darwin Day

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  1. Darwin across the Disciplines A discussion in celebration of Darwin Day Facilitated by Glenn Geher (Chair of the Evolutionary Studies Development Committee) with Eugene Heath (Philosophy), Yaser Khalifa (Computer Engineering), Tom Nolen (Biology), and Jennifer Waldo (Biology)

  2. Sponsored by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The Honors Program, The Sojourner Truth Library, and the Undergraduate Psychology Association

  3. “Let’s hope it’s not true; but if it is true, let’s hope that it does not become widely known.” (Lady Ashley’s comments on the theory of evolution developed by her contemporary, Charles Darwin)

  4. EVOLUTIONARY STUDIES (EvoS) The basic ideas of an interdisciplinary evolutionary studies program takes issue with Lady Ashley’s perspective. The EvoS idea is based on the notion that Darwin’s grand theory of evolution, and theories of the nature of phenomena in the world derived from this grand theory, have important implications for understanding the nature of the world across academic disciplines.

  5. D.S. Wilson David Sloan Wilson, an evolutionary biologist at Binghamton, developed the idea of EvoS largely to afford students across academic majors the opportunity to learn the basic principles of evolutionary theory. Wilson, who has published extensively on topics such as the evolutionary roots of altruism and the adaptive nature of religion, believes strongly that evolutionary theory has the ability to improve our understanding of all matters related to human affairs.

  6. EvoS at Binghamton Courses in the EvoS program at Binghamton represent such diverse departments as: Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and, yes, Biology. In short: EVOLUTION IS NOT JUST FOR BIOLOGISTS ANYMORE.

  7. Psychology as an example of the power of evolutionary theory as a set of academic tools Darwin himself was, essentially, the first evolutionary psychologist. His book titled The Expression of Emotion in Man and Animals (1872) suggests that major psychological phenomena that characterize humans – represented by the emotion system – are rooted in our evolutionary history. Emotions are expressed similarly across all human cultures (see Paul Ekman’s work). Emotional expression across species also shows marked similarity.

  8. Glenn’s take on Evolutionary Psychology As an undergraduate psychology major at UCONN, I was disappointed by the fragmented nature of the field … Then I came upon Benjamin Sachs’ Animal Behavior course (which focused on evolution and behavior) … ONE THEORY EXPLAINED EVERYTHING! … So I worked in his rat lab … … So I studied humans at UNH … … and then David Buss came to speak at UNH … Mark your calendars: he’s coming to speak here on Thursday, April 27

  9. Evolutionarily Informed Social Psychology All social psychological phenomena (from stereotyping, to aggression, to altruism, to relationships) can be weaved together by the basic principles of evolution. These insights have affected both my teaching and research (and diet, and philosophy, etc …) …

  10. EvoS at New Paltz (Fall 2007) • The excitement I have for teaching about evolutionary principles has spread beyond my social psychology class … • Evolutionary Psychology • A New Paltz version of EvoS

  11. The Evolutionary Studies Program Development Committee Alice Andrews, PsychologyVictor DeMunck, AnthropologyGlenn Geher (chair), PsychologyEugene Heath, PhilosophyPaul Kassel, Theatre ArtsRichard Kelder, Teaching/Learning CenterYaser Kahlifa, Electrical and Computer EngineeringJeremy Murphy, studentRegina Musicaro, studentAlison Nash, PsychologyTom Nolen, BiologyJennifer Waldo, Biology

  12. When Jerry Benjamin asked me if I’d be interested in putting together something for Darwin Day, I was quick to say YES! This panel is designed to give a flavor of ways to apply evolutionary principles across academic disciplines. Thanks to: Our panelists (Eugene, Yaser, Tom, and Jennifer), Jerry Benjamin, Celeste Cleary, Susan Kraat, Jeffrey Miller, and the students of the UPA (especially Sarah Cianciola, Heather Mangione, and Regina Musicaro) Thank you for coming – I hope my passion for Evolutionary Theory is Contagious … and don’t forget the free food!

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