Monthly Archives: September 2009
Adaptationism for and against
My passing comment on San Marco has triggered a really interesting debate at Larry’s place. Larry thinks I think nothing can be selectively neutral, however. This is wrong. I think that things can be at the same time, selectively neutral … Continue reading
Filed under Administrative, Evolution, Religion
Darwin and the female body
Paul Griffiths reviews: Natalie Angier Woman: An Intimate Geography, Melbourne, Scribe, 2009 (464 pp). ISBN 9-781-92137-241-4 (paperback) RRP $32.95. Hannah Holmes The Well-Dressed Ape: A Natural History of Myself, Melbourne, Scribe, 2009 (368 pp). ISBN 9-781-92137-252-0 (paperback) RRP $35.00.
Going backwards, or, devolution?
Carl Zimmer has another one of his excellent summary articles, this time about the problems encountered by a research group that tried to make a protein that had evolved into one form, evolve back to the starting point. This is being … Continue reading
Filed under Evolution, Genetics, Philosophy, Science
What I am doing on my holidays….
Well, first I lost, or rather British Airways lost, my luggage, so I am living in the same clothes I spent 36 hours on planes in. Unpleasant. But, Jenny and I went to the Accademia Galeria and saw enormous numbers … Continue reading
Filed under Administrative, Evolution, History, Science
Off to see the world
… and make my fortune. Err, not really. Actually, I’m going to have my first actual holiday, with the going away and relaxing and drinks and sightseeing, in eight years. Then I’m off to Göttingen, Oxford, New York and Washington, … Continue reading
Filed under Administrative
Konrad Lorenz – a lecture
As I noted before, Paul Griffiths gave a lecture on Konrad Lorenz. The podcast is up now. Sydney Ideas Key Thinkers: Konrad Lorenz Professor Paul Griffiths delivers his 2009 Sydney Ideas Key Thinkers lecture on the remarkable life and legacy … Continue reading
Filed under Ecology and Biodiversity, Evolution, History, Philosophy
That’s not an Origin of Species; *this* is an Origin of Species
I would strongly suggest that if you find Kirk Cameron’s “edition” of the Origin of Species that you quietly dispose of it in an environmentally conscious manner. However, if you want a good edition, I recommend this one by Jim … Continue reading
Adaptationism issue of Biology and Philosophy
I don’t have time to read and comment on these now, as I’m gearing up to travel for six weeks around Europe and the US, but those who have access might like to check out the special Adaptationism edition of … Continue reading
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Filed under Biology, Evolution, Philosophy, Science
Psychiatric Tales
This comic book, which is on psychiatry in general, looks very good. Click here for an eleven page excerpt on schizophrenia. I can vouch for the accuracy of this: I once had a staff member fall victim to the disorder … Continue reading
Filed under Biology, General Science, Pop culture
