| Collections: Classics · Papyri · Renaissance · London · California · Upper Midwest · Chesapeake · Boyle · Tufts History |
| Configure display · Help · Tools · Copyright · FAQ · Publications · Collaborations · Support Perseus |
Comments on darwinaris.html.
Tom says it is excellent:
This is a great paper. You compare Aristotle's and Darwin's views on biology in a very clear and convincing manner. The text links backed up your points nicely, and the biographies of Darwin and company were a great find! The tortoise link didn't work for some reason. Probably the computer's fault, not yours. I think you misspelled "de" as "do" in the French title. But that's being nitpicky. Darwin's ideas are still being discussed today. Daniel Dennett, who is a professor in the philosophy department here at Tufts, just wrote a book called Darwin's Dangerous Idea, which you might be interested in. I haven't read it myself yet. It really is a "dangerous" idea, because, as you say towards the end of your paper, it seems to undermine the notion of us being here for a purpose. Very nice work.
Jeff says it is good:
I enjoyed the journey that this paper took me on from the renaisance to the theories of Darwin's grandfather. The clarity and conciseness of this paper is what makes is great. You begin by presenting Aristotle and his views and sources, then transcend into a bit about Darwin and his ideas and sources. Each of your tasks is accomplished with ease and thoroughly. I especially was interested to know that the ancient Greeks such as Empedocles had their own theories on evolution. Good work!
L HARMS says it is good:
I wonder if -Ayala, is a proponent of the authenticity
frague? is it more likely he collected the personal
corrospondance of Darwin? or after his death, researched his
associates and fictionalized corospondence that included
his personal ideas regarding nature?
teleology, an interesting perscription of order. Still
chaotic systems only appear random because of sensitive
dependance on initial conditions.
bios = vivo!
Chad Colarusso says it is good:
A very good paper that is not quite excellent because at times I felt the links caused the reader to have to consider information not especially crucial to the topic. Two links in particular illustrate this point. The link to the entire text of the Origin of Species may be wishful thinking on the part of the author; does she really expect the reader to browse through the contents of the whole text? If she does not, then perhaps linking to only that relevant material she deems necessary to the paper should be included. Otherwise, perhaps this could be listed under a "suggested reading" catergory. My other exanple was the paleontology link which rapidly steered me away from the main topic; perhaps only the definition of the science was necessary. I may be nitpicking, but with such consistently high quality work I need to find some way to differentiate between a good and an excellent paper. Minor compalints aside, I thought the paper was well-researched and was well-written, especially the conclusion.
Andrea Marcogliese says it is good:
Good job! You treated both Aristotle and Darwin well, and you stated your points clearly. The links were very nice. Two of them do not work; that should have been double checked. The initial outline in the very beginning looks a little overpowering. It could be tightened up a bit and be made clearer. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable paper to read. Nice work.
Aristotle says it needs work:
Hmmmph! I still don't believe all this evolution hogwash. How dare anyone dispute my overwhelming omnipotence?
Darwin, the Devil's Chaplain says it is excellent:
Jolly good show, Kathleen! That old bugger Aristotle needs a good kick in the ego. Don't listen to him. Beautiful work, young lady!
Zeus says it needs work:
No one gives the gods any credit anymore for anything. Who do they think designed this whole "evolution" scheme anyway? If Prometheus hadn't run off and given you mortals fire and math and shelter, you'd still be living in caves and clubbing bears for survival. Hmmmph! That's the problem with kids today. No respect for the elders. No respect for religion or the gods anymore. I ought to just zap the lot of ya. That'd show you blaspheming mortals. I'll make a new race of dominant beings. I think I'll use cows this time, or maybe sheep. They're so much more respectful. Hmmmph!