Clarksville, Ark. --- Dr. Michael Ruse, a leading expert on the history and philosophy of evolutionary biology, will speak about the evolution-creation struggle at University of the Ozarks, starting at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 23.
The event is part of the university’s 2008-2009 Walton Fine Arts Series. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased on the night of the event or by calling 479-979-1346.
Ruse, a native of England, is the Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy and the Director of the Program of History and Philosophy at Florida State University. He has long been considered an expert in the argument between Creationism and evolutionary biology and has written numerous books on the topic. In 1981 he was a witness for the ACLU in Arkansas in the successful attack on the teaching of creationism in the state’s public schools.
An ardent evolutionist, Ruse, for decades, has fought the Creationist agenda in the classroom, in the courtroom, and in the political and public arenas. He is also unafraid to boldly criticize some fellow evolutionists. Ruse believes that by challenging the validity of religious beliefs, these evolutionists actually harm the public image of Darwinism. He argues, deftly, that science and religion can be harmonized.
With an ability to clearly explain scientific and philosophical concepts, Ruse engages the audiences in a necessary conversation, situated at the crossroads of science and religion. He takes on such questions as: If Intelligent Design is a scientific dead-end, why do so many people believe in it? Why does the battle of evolution vs. Creationism loom largest in America? Ruse offers nothing less than a new and productive way of understanding this often heated discussion.
At FSU, Ruse started the journal Biology and Philosophy. His books include The Evolution-Creation Struggle (a New York Magazine Academic Book of the Year), and Can a Darwinian Be a Christian?
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