Describes the impact on cultural and religious thought of the publication of Charles Darwin's Origin of species in 1859. Also examines the effects of Darwin's theory of natural selection on modern science. Examines evolutionary theory from its beginnings with Jean Baptiste Lamarck, the famous Scopes Monkey trial, and how political leaders, such as Adolf Hitler, have twisted Darwinian theory and used it for their own purposes.

Originally broadcast as an episode of the television program Great books in 1993. "Discovery school: literature" "AP: Advanced Placement" Special features include: teaching resources; video index; thematic units; slide show.

Introduction -- History of evolution -- Biology and human evolution -- Darwinian theory misused.