The seminar discusses central topics of Darwin's theory of evolution and sexual selection and his studies on the expression of emotions. Apart from the development of Darwin's thinkng we will focus on the connections between theory and biological and geological observations, breeding technics as well as the impact of Victorian virtues and the role of everyday life.

The colloquium is an essential part of the postgraduate programme "history of knowledge" dealing with the history of modern knowledge systems in a broad sense. In the analysis of the various systems of knowledge the programme seeks to combine approaches from the fields of Philosophy, History of Science and Technology as well as Social, Economic and Cultural History.

The concept of "sexuality", as it occurred in the 19th century, brought together biological, anatomical, psychic, and social factors. Darwin’s theory of "sexual selection" played a major role in this invention of sexuality. On the basis of primary texts, we wil explore this starting point of modern evolutionary biology as well as modern discourses of sex.

Darwin’s theory of evolution is one of the most influential scientific theories. At the same time it has been attacked from its beginnings to our present days. We will focus on the reception of Darwin’s theory, its reformulation and the debates it provoked in the 20th century. This discusson will range from social darwinism and synthetic theory of evolution to so called creationist theories.

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Since the middle of the 20th century, biology as the key science has held great authority with regard to commonsensical knowledge. Ideas about ‘the nature of things’ have influenced other scientific disciplines and political thought beyond the well-known example of social Darwinism. In the seminar, we will analyze the social power and public presence of the life sciences for such concatenations.

Ph.D. students and members of staff report on their research.