Darwin biographer Janet Browne opens colloquium

As Charles Darwin's 200th birthday approaches, scholars will gather on the UConn campus to discuss his impact as a scientist, philosopher and iconic figure of the past two centuries. Part of the University's Year of Science celebration, The Charles Darwin Bicentennial Colloquium Series will examine Darwin's influence on many areas of thought.

The Charles Darwin Bicentennial Colloquium Series opens on Thurs., Sept. 25, 2008 at 4 p.m. with a lecture by Darwin biographer Janet Browne, "Commemorating Darwin: 1809 to 2009."

Browne, the Aramont Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University, is the author of a number of award-winning Darwin biographies, including Charles Darwin: Voyaging (1996), Darwin's Origin of Species: A Biography (2006) and Charles Darwin: The Power of Place (2003), for which she was awarded the 2003 James Tait Black Memorial Prize.

The Colloquium continues on Thurs., Oct. 2, 2008 at 4 p.m. with a lecture by distinguished philosopher of science Daniel C. Dennett, "Darwin and the Evolution of Reasons."

The Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy and Co-Director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University, Dennett wrote Darwin's Dangerous Idea (1995), Freedom Evolves (2003) and Breaking the Spell (2006).

All of the lectures in the Colloquium Series will be held in Konover Auditorium in the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center. All are open to the public with refreshments and receptions after the lecture. The UConn Co-op will have copies of recent books by the speakers available for purchase and signing.