Darwin Day
• Skeptics & Atheists
Why Darwin Day?
"Because a Darwin Day would send out a signal that science matters in an era when pseudo-science and fear of science seem to be gaining ground," argues the British Humanist Association which is playing a key role in the campaign.
In the United States, where a survey in 2002 found that 45 percent of the population believe an all-powerful deity created the universe and all life in it within the last 10,000 years, this concern has even stronger force.
Campaigners push for "Darwin Day"
The short term goal of the organizers is to increase awareness of Darwin Day and "build excitement" between now and 2009, the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth, which program officials hope will be marked by global celebrations of Darwin's legacy, while "promoting understanding of science and critical inquiry within our global community." A brief look at this year's line up of events reveals the remarkable diversity of ideas that fall within the scope of Darwin's key insight about change over time and natural selection. Lecture titles include: "The Evolution of Evolution," "Design Without Design," "Forensic Astronomy," and "Patterns of Warfare among Mississippian Native Americans." The event topics range from the husbandry of healthy zoo animals to rainforest diversity.
Darwin Day: Mark Your Calendar!
Darwin Day is February 12th, the date of birth of Charles Darwin in the year 1809, at Shrewsbury, England. On this date, and throughout the month, people from all over the world are honoring the life, work and influence of Charles Darwin with events and activities which celebrate science and our shared humanity.