The race to identify all living creatures

Oct 8, 2024

Jason Roberts, author of 'Every Living Thing,' dives into the remarkable lives of 18th-century naturalists Carl Linnaeus and Georges-Louis de Buffon. He explores their contrasting methods of classifying all living organisms and the profound impact their philosophies had on modern biology. Linnaeus championed structured taxonomy, while Buffon embraced evolutionary ideas that challenged norms. The conversation reveals how their historical differences shaped scientific thought and continue to influence discussions on race and biodiversity today.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Contrasting Minds of Natural History

01:59 • 5min

The Evolution of Scientific Thought: From Natural History to Biology

07:14 • 2min

Linnaeus and Buffon: Pioneers of Classification

09:32 • 10min

Classifying Nature: A Study of Linnaeus and Buffon

19:14 • 14min

Challenging Historical Narratives on Innovation and Environment

33:36 • 3min