A Most Interesting Problem

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Leading scholars assess Darwin's views on human evolution in light of contemporary science. In 1871, Charles Darwin published a significant work that aimed to explain human evolution, which he regarded as "the highest and most interesting problem for the naturalist." This book gathers twelve distinguished scholars and science communicators to explore what Darwin accurately understood and what he misjudged regarding human origins, history, and biological diversity. Edited by Jeremy DeSilva and featuring an introduction by noted Darwin biographer Janet Browne, the text incorporates recent findings from genetics, paleontology, bioarchaeology, anthropology, and primatology. It addresses key topics that Darwin examined, such as evidence for human evolution, our position in the evolutionary tree, the roots of civilization, human races, and sex differences. This work exemplifies the process of scientific inquiry and how evidence shapes our understanding of human origins, illustrating that while some of Darwin's concepts have endured rigorous examination, others have not. Contributions come from a range of experts, including Janet Browne, Jeremy DeSilva, and Agustín Fuentes, among others.