Philosophy in Action: Interview of Dr. Monica Hughes on Myths about Evolutionary Theory: Podcast of 19 June 2013

Dr. Monica Hughes on Myths about Evolutionary Theory

Radio Interview: Wednesday, 19 June 2013

I interviewed Dr. Monica Hughes on "Myths about Evolutionary Theory" on Philosophy in Action Radio on Wednesday, 19 June 2013. You can listen to or download the podcast below.

Many Americans are woefully ignorant of the basics of evolutionary theory, even while they criticize or reject it. Biologist Monica Hughes explained the basics of evolutionary theory, including some fascinating examples of evolution in action. Then she discussed and dispelled some common myths about it.

Monica Hughes received her master's and PhD degrees in mycology and forest pathology at SUNY-ESF (State University of New York College of Environmental and Forest Biology). Broadly trained in aspects of plant and fungal biology, Monica's research is focused on an obscure but diverse group of insect-associated fungi, particularly co-evolution of the fungi with their hosts, and description of new species: her research uncovered roughly 50 new species of fungi from New Zealand, including several new genera. Since obtaining her PhD in 2008, Monica has worked as a biology professor in the Community College system of Colorado and at Regis University in Denver.

Tags: Biology, Creationism, Evolution, God, Religion, Religion, Science

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Subjects Discussed

The subjects discussed in this episode were:

Wildfires in Colorado
The basic tenets of evolutionary theory
Examples of evolution in action: bacteria, dogs, silver fox
The creation of new species: plants, fruit flies
The evidence for evolutionary theory
Evolution is not just randomness
The second law of thermodynamics does not preclude evolution
The argument from irreducible complexity
The first living organism
The irreducible complexity argument
The time required for evolution
The "goal" of evolution
Evolution as "just a theory"

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About Philosophy in Action Radio

I'm Dr. Diana Hsieh. I'm a philosopher specializing the application of rational principles to the challenges of real life. I received my Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2009. My first book, Responsibility & Luck: A Defense of Praise and Blame, is available for purchase in paperback, as well as for Kindle and Nook. The book defends the justice of moral praise and blame of persons using an Aristotelian theory of moral responsibility, thereby refuting Thomas Nagel's "problem of moral luck."

My radio show, Philosophy in Action Radio, broadcasts live over the internet on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. On Sunday mornings, I answer four meaty questions applying rational principles to the challenges of real life in a live hour-long show. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers co-hosts the show. On Wednesday evenings, I interview an expert guest about a topic of practical importance.

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