The Current Why the Scopes ‘Monkey Trial still matters 100 years on
Jul 23, 2025
Alexander Gazoulis, an associate professor of law at the University of Missouri, co-authored 'The Hundred Years Trial,' exploring the significance of the Scopes Monkey Trial. He discusses how this historic case on evolution and education still resonates in today's America. The conversation dives into the ongoing struggles between science and belief in education, the evolution of evolutionary science, and the legal battles that stem from the trial. Listeners are invited to reflect on the legacy of 1925 and its implications for modern educational practices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Scopes Trial Was Major Spectacle
- The Scopes Trial was a major spectacle, drawing nationwide and international media attention to small-town Dayton, Tennessee.
- Even a chimpanzee was present, entertaining the crowds gathered outside the courthouse.
Scientific Debate in Evolution's Early Days
- Evolution was accepted by experts but the mechanism was debated due to issues with natural selection and mutation theories.
- Darwin's ideas lacked answers to genetic inheritance until Mendel's work was rediscovered much later.
Misrepresentation of Complex Science
- Complex scientific ideas like evolution and climate change are often misrepresented for political, economic, or religious agendas.
- Critics exploit evolutionary theory's complexity to sow confusion and portray it as a threat.
