On February 20th, 2009, the Department of Biology and Didactics of Biology at the TU Dortmund will host the first European conference dealing with different aspects of background, attitudes and knowledge related to evolution. It will be held at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology in Dortmund.
Despite its great importance and enormous explanatory power, evolution and the theory of evolution are still poorly understood and are actively rejected by many. While the evolutionary theory is supported by an overwhelming body of evidence, it remains the most controversial scientific theory in the history of man. This criticism is by no means a newly emerging phenomenon of the early 21st century, and it is not limited to highly religious people: Ever since Charles Darwin, critics of the evolutionary theory have been found in all countries and all social classes.
According to current estimates, 20 % of the German population deny the fact that evolution is occurring. Creationism – the notion that the myth of creation told by the respective Holy Scriptures gives an exact account of the creation of life and is to be taken literally – offers many grounds for criticism, not only to natural scientists. Besides speakers with a background in natural sciences, the conference will thus feature humanists and social scientists, who will share their opinion on matters.
