Darwin's Grandpa and the Art of Sex Appeal
Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
00:00
Wedgwood and Darwin: Art, Science, and Social Signaling
This chapter examines the achievements of Josiah Wedgwood in pottery and Erasmus in literature, focusing on their innovative contributions in the 18th century. It also delves into Charles Darwin's development of sexual selection, highlighting the societal barriers he faced in acknowledging his grandfather's unconventional views. The narrative connects these themes, drawing parallels between art, evolution, and the signaling of status in both human society and the animal kingdom.
Transcript
Play full episode
