Darwin’s Daring Idea with Richard Dawkins

About This Episode

Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with evolutionary biologist and author of The Genetic Book of the Dead Richard Dawkins to talk about evolution, whether we were “designed,” how we are living reflections of our ancestors and much much more.

Why did it take so long to come up with the idea for natural selection? Learn about Darwin’s dangerous idea and the history of upending scientific assumptions. Is there such a thing as a perfect version of an animal? We also explore the role of information in biology and evolution. Will there be a day when we no longer need biology in order to pass on information?

Neil gives his explanation for the chicken and the egg problem. We explore the origin of the word “meme”, evidence for god, and Carl Sagan’s poetic chapter headings. We also discuss the human inclination towards there being a “designer” and for complex biology to have been designed. Richard explains how you end up with something as complex as an eye through evolution.

Neil and Richard talk about when Neil publicly rebuked one of Richard’s claims during a talk. We take a look at Richard’s new book The Genetic Book of the Dead and how we are living descriptions of the world in which our ancestors lived. Plus, we discuss whether it’s worth it to try to convert people and the future of scientific acceptance.

Thanks to our Patrons Jason Byttow, Keith Bale, Daniel Levin, Multimedia Kart, Renata, CESAR FRADIQUE, Ginger Towers, handzman, Lisa Kohler, and 21Pandas_ for supporting us this week.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.